Both parties gazed in utter amazement, as this singular struggle went on and neither dared to fire a shot, for fear of hitting their own man. At length the mate, who, with his men, had watched the progress of the conflict, with their feelings worked up to the highest pitch of excitement, discovered that the rebel, by his superior strength, was gaining the advantage; and he knew that the only way to save his officer was to drive the rebels from their position. "Steady there, lads!" he exclaimed; "fix bayonets." The order was promptly obeyed. "Ready, now! Aim! Fire! Charge bayonets! Forward, double-quick!" The sailors broke from their concealment with a loud yell, and rushed toward the rebel line. They were soon overtaken by the men under command of the executive officer, who, not wishing to be outdone by their comrades, had come to their assistance. The rebels were taken completely by surprise, and, after delivering a straggling fire, rapidly retreated. The charge made by the sailors infused new courage into Frank, who increased his exertions, and struggled furiously for the possession of the knife. "Hold on," exclaimed the rebel; "I'll surrender, if you will promise me kind treatment." "I guess you'll surrender any way," said Frank; "and you may be sure that you will be well treated." "Let go my hair, then," said the rebel; "and let me get up." Frank accordingly released his hold, and the rebel rose to his feet, and was immediately seized by the mate, who, with his men, was just returning from the pursuit of the rebels. After the prisoner had delivered up his weapons, they marched back to the place where they had left the beef, and then started for the vessel. Every one was soon made acquainted with the particulars of the fight, and Frank was again the hero of the mess-room. CHAPTER IX. A Union Family. After two days' sail, the Ticonderoga arrived at Phillips's Landing, where she had been ordered to take her station; for the Admiral had received information that the rebel General Marmaduke was preparing to cross the river, with his forces, at that place. They came to anchor in front of a large plantation, owned by the man after whom the place was named. In a short time, a boat, rowed by two stout negroes, and which contained two ladies and a gentleman, came alongside. The captain received them, as they came upon the quarter-deck, and the gentleman, after introducing himself as Mr. Phillips, and apologizing for the liberty they had taken in coming on board, asked if the captain could furnish them with some Northern papers. They lived in an out-of-the-way place, he said, where boats seldom landed, for fear of the guerrillas, and they were entirely ignorant of what was going on.