"I have made 'assurance doubly sure,' and failure is impossible." "Well, go back to the cabin now," said the lieutenant, "for you might be missed." On hearing this, Frank hastily retreated, and regained his post.
Presently the lieutenant returned, and, after giving Frank a drink of water from his cup, sought his blanket.
"A pretty piece of business, indeed," thought Frank, as he commenced walking his beat again.

"It is fortunate I discovered it.

I'll keep a lookout for the negro, and learn all I can from him." He was not obliged to wait long, for presently a low whistle, that sounded from the opposite side of the bayou, told that the negro was in waiting.

Frank answered the signal, when a light canoe shot out from the shore and approached the island.

In a few moments the negro walked up the bank, and, depositing a large bag of provisions in the cabin, turned to go back, followed by Frank, who commenced conversation by observing, "A warm evening, uncle;" but, the moment they were out of sight of the cabin, he inquired, in a low voice: "Are those twelve men all ready to come here to-morrow night ?" "Sar! what twelve men ?" asked the negro, in well-feigned surprise.