any prying eyes
ashore. Everyone aboard would be clustered forward, curiously watchful
of that line of soldiers filing across the gangplank and seeking
quarters upon deck. The only danger of observation lay in some
straggler along the near-by bank. I lowered myself the full length of
my arms, dangling there an instant by clinging to the framework; then
loosened my grip and dropped silently into the rushing waters beneath.

CHAPTER XXII

MY FRIEND, THE DEPUTY SHERIFF

Well below the surface, yet impelled swiftly downward by the sturdy
rush of the current, sweeping about the steamer's stern, I struck out
with all the strength of my arms, anxious to attain in that first
effort the greatest possible distance. I came panting up to breathe,
my face lifted barely above the surface, dashing the water from my
eyes, and casting one swift glance backward toward the landing. The
high stern of the _Adventurer_ was already some considerable distance
away, exhibiting no sign of movement along her after-decks, but with
that snake-like line of men still pouring over the crest of the bank,
and disappearing forward. Great volumes of black smoke swept forth
from the funnels, and my ears could distinguish the ceaseless hiss of
steam. Again I permitted my body to sink into the depths, swimming
onward with easier stroke, satisfied I had not been seen.

When I came up the second time I was quite far enough to be safe, and
the stragglers had largely disappeared on board. Content to tread
water, yet constantly drifting farther away in the trend of the
current, I was able to observe all that took place. The sun had
disappeared, and the western shore rested obscured by a purple haze,
the wide stretch of water between slowly darkening. Light lingered
still, however, along the clay hills of Yellow Banks, crowded with
those soldiers left behind, who had gathered to speed the departure of
their more fortunate comrades. The decks of the _Adventurer_ were
black with men, their cheers and shouts echoing to me along the surface
of the river. Slowly the steamer parted from the shore, as the
paddle-wheel began to revolve, flinging upward a cataract of spray, the
space of open water widening, as the advancing bow sought the deeper
channel, and headed northward. A great resounding cheer from both ship
and shore mingled, rolling out over the darkening waters of the river,
and echoed back by the forests along the bank. Farther up two oth