she or it wanted.

Dick was in a genial mood. He had escaped with an ease that surprised
him, and the warmth of the water in which he was immersed had saved
him from cramp or chill. The spirit of recklessness seized him again.
He threw himself astride his plank, and called out:

"A detachment of the army of the United States escaped from captivity in
Vicksburg, and wishing to rejoin it. It's infantry, not marines, and it
needs land."

"Then advance infantry and give the countersign."

"Grant and Victory," replied Dick in a loud, clear voice.

A laugh came from the steamer, and the rough voice said again:

"Let the detachment advance again, and holding up its hands, show itself."

Dick paddled closer and, steadying himself as well as he could, threw up
his hands. The light of a ship's lantern was thrown directly on his face,
and the same voice ordered men to take a small boat and get him.

When Dick stepped upon the deck of the steamer, water streaming from
his clothes, several men looked at him curiously. One in a dingy blue
uniform he believed to be the owner of the rough voice. But his face was
not rough.

"Who are you?" asked the man.