“The path indicated led to a spot on the island where I had concealed a small boat among some willows--and, once across on the mainland, I hoped that the danger would be over. “In spite of my admonitions, Colonel Mohun took his time. He is a cool one! He even turned and walked toward the fort, which he carefully examined--counting the guns, observing the ditches, and the ground around it. “‘That place could be taken, Nighthawk!’ he said, with a laugh. And he continued to stroll around the place, receiving at every moment respectful salutes from passing soldiers, which he returned with the utmost coolness, and an air of authority which I never have seen surpassed. I declare to you, general, that it made the sweat burst out on my forehead, and it was fully an hour before we reached the boat. I sprung in and seized the oars, for I saw a dozen soldiers approaching us from the direction of the fort. “‘For heaven’s sake, sit down, colonel,’ I exclaimed; ‘in five minutes we will be lost!’ “He did not reply. He was feeling in the pockets of the lieutenant’s coat; and drew out a note-book with a pencil attached. Then, as the men came toward us, he began to write. I looked over his shoulder--a bad habit I acknowledge, general--and I read these words:--- “‘Colonel Mohun, C.S.A., presents his compliments to the commanding officer of Fort Delaware, and recommends the 10-inch Columbiad in place of the 30-lb. Parrotts on the bastion near the southern angle of the work. “‘As Colonel M. is _en route_ for Richmond _via_ Wilmington, and the train will soon pass, he is compelled to refrain from other suggestions which occur to him. “‘The commandant of the post will pardon the want of ceremony of his departure. This distressing separation is dictated by necessity.’” Nighthawk smiled as he repeated the words of _Mohun’s note_. “Did you ever hear of a cooler hand, general? But I must end my long story. The colonel wrote this note while the soldiers were coming toward us. When they had come within ten steps, he beckoned to one of them--the man came up, saluting--and the colonel said, ‘Take this note to the commandant--go at once.’ “My heart had jumped to my throat, general! The next moment I drew a good long breath of real relief. The Federal soldier touched his cap, took the note, and went back toward the fort. Without further delay, I pushed out and rowed across to the mainland, where we soon arrived. “Then we left the boat, struck into the fields, and pushed for the nearest station on the railroad. On the way, I could not refrain from upbraiding the colonel with his imprudence. He only laughed, however, and we went on without stopping. An hour afterward we reached the station, and the northern train soon came. We got in, the cars started, and we were _en route_ for Baltimore. Suddenly the dull sound of a cannon-shot came from the direction of Fort Delaware. A moment afterward came another, and then a third.