"Have the Yankees any picket boats out?" demanded the man on shore. "Haven't seen any." "How far up have you been?" "About two miles," answered Somers, continually coughing to account for any change in his voice which might be apparent to his friend on shore. "The fire-steamer is all ready," added the voice; "and it is about time to go to work." "The fire-steamer!" exclaimed Somers in a low tone. "They are going to burn the vessels in the river," added De Banyan. "What shall we do?" "We must stop their fun at all hazards," replied the valiant captain promptly. "What are you stopping there for, Andy? Why don't you pull up the creek?" continued the man on shore. "My name isn't Andy," said Somers; "and I don't fully understand this business." "Who are you, then?" replied the rebel. "What has become of Andy?" "He has got another job, and sent me to do this one," answered Somers, whose ready wit had adopted a plan to defeat the purpose of the enemy. "Who are you?" "Tom Leathers. Andy sent me up to attend to this matter. Where is the fire-steamer?" "About half a mile farther up the creek. But where is Andy?" "Some general sent for him; and he has gone to Richmond. I reckon the iron-clad's coming down soon." "Can you take care of the steamer?" "Certainly I can." "Are you a pilot?" "Pilot enough for this business." "I understand it all. Andy was afraid to do this job, and has backed out." "I only know what he said to me," replied Somers innocently. "Well, pull up the creek, and don't waste any more time in talking about it." "I haven't wasted any time. You have done all the talking yourself," replied Somers, who thought he should not be a consistent Southerner if he did not growl. Somers directed the men to pull again, and the boat advanced up the creek till the steamer appeared. She was a small, worn-out old craft, which had probably dodged into the creek when the Union fleet came up the river. The man who had spoken from the shore reached the place almost as soon as the boat. He was dressed in the gray of the Confederate army, and was evidently an officer detailed to perform the duty of fitting out the fire-ship. "This is a most remarkable proceeding on the part of the pilot," said the officer. "I can't help it. You needn't growl at me about it. If you don't want me, I don't want the job," replied Somers sourly. "Don't be impudent to me," added the officer. "And don't you be impudent to me," said Somers. "I'm not one of your men." "Silence! or I shall put you under arrest." "No, you won't." "Do you know the channel of the river?" "Of course I do. What do you suppose Andy sent me here for?" snarled Somers. "Keep a civil tongue in your head, man." "You had better show me how to do it first. Come, Graves," he added, turning to De Banyan, "we are not wanted here, and we will go home again." "Who is that man with you?" "Graves." "Where did you get all these men?"