He climbed over the fence that ran between the woods and the plantation, and walked fearlessly toward the house.

He was not at all pleased with the part he had to perform, for he remembered the danger he had run the night before; but his determination was to do his duty, and trust to his skill to carry him safely through.
He shaped his course toward the negro quarters, which were in the rear of the house; but he soon discovered that these were entirely deserted.

He carefully examined all the cabins, in hopes of finding a hen-roost, but in vain.

His only alternative was to try the house.
There was a light shining in the window, and Frank determined to reconnoiter the premises, and, if possible, learn who were in the house, before asking admittance.

With this intention he shouldered his rifle, and was about to move forward, when he was startled by the sound of horses' hoofs behind him, and a voice exclaimed: "Hullo, my friend! Have you an extra bed in the house, for a soldier ?" Frank turned, and found that the horseman was so close to him that flight was impossible.