Not a word was said till they reached the cabin the officer had selected, and when they had entered, he closed the door behind them.

The lantern was unveiled, and the lieutenant seated himself upon a block of timber, of which there were several in the room.
"Now, Uncle Job, I want you to answer some questions," Mr.Pennant began.
"'Pose I don't answer 'em ?" suggested the negro.
"Then I shall put you in irons, and take you on board of the steamer," added the officer sternly.
"De steamer! wot's de steamer?
Is't a Yankee gumboat ?" demanded Uncle Job, opening his eyes with wonder and astonishment.
"That's just what it is." "Den I gib you all de answers you want," replied the negro with a cheerful smile.

"Whar de gumboat ?" "She is off the shore not far from here.

Now you will answer my questions.

There is a fort here ?" "Yes, sar; ober dar," he replied, pointing to the west.
"How many men are there at the fort ?" "Only twenty, sar; all gone ober to New Orleans, sar." "How many guns has it?
I mean big guns, Uncle Job ?" "I done count only four ob dem w'en I was dar last time." "Only four!" exclaimed Mr.Pennant.