And why should the fellow not possess friends at Yellow Banks?
He knew the river intimately and all the river towns; possibly he had even landed here before.

He was a man feared, hated, but obeyed the full length of the great stream; his name stood for reckless daring, unscrupulous courage everywhere; he could command the admiration and loyalty of every vicious character in the steamboat service between Fort Crawford and New Orleans.

It was hardly likely that none of these men, floaters at best, were in this miscellaneous outpouring of militia; indeed it was almost certain there would be some officers among them, as well as enlisted men.
As my thought grasped these facts, they led to the only possible decision.

I would venture forward, rather blindly trusting that good fortune might direct my steps aright.

I would have to discover first of all, where Kirby had taken Eloise--into whose hands he had deposited the girl for safe keeping.