e end having been made fast to the fallen tree, the
other was taken aboard a gunboat. The word was then given, "Back the
iron-clad hard;" and the fallen monarch of the forest was soon dragged
across the bayou and out of the way So expert did the jackies become
in this work, that they were soon able to clear away the trees faster
than the enemy could fell them. The tug then went ahead, and for a
time put an end to further tree-chopping, and captured several of the
negro axemen.

From the captured contrabands Porter learned that the attempt to cut
off his retreat was directed by the military authorities at Vicksburg.
This was a startling revelation. He had thought that the Confederates
were in entire ignorance of his movement; and now it turned out that
the wily Pemberton had kept a sharp lookout on the marauding gunboats,
and was shrewdly planning for their capture. While Porter was
pondering over this new discovery, a party of scouts came in, bringing
in four captured Confederates, two of whom were commissioned officers.
The commanding officer, a mere boy, was somewhat chagrined at being
captured, but felt confident that his friends would recapture him
shortly. Porter politely asked him to take a glass of wine and some
supper.

"I don't care if I do," responded the youngster; "and I have the less
compunction in taking it, as it belongs to us anyhow. In two hours you
will be surrounded and bagged. You can't escape. How in the Devil's
name you ever got here, is a wonder to me."

Porter smiled pleasantly, and, helping his guests lavishly, proceeded
to question them on the numbers and position of the Confederate
troops. He learned that a large body of troops had been sent out to
surround the iron-clads, and were even then closing in upon the
intruders. The danger was imminent, but Porter showed no trepidation.

"How far off are your troops?" he asked.

"About four miles. They will bag you at daylight," was the confident
response.

"Well, gentlemen," said the admiral, "Gen. Sherman is now surrounding
your forces with ten thousand men, and will capture them all before
daylight." And so saying the admiral went on deck, leaving his
captives lost in wonder; for the information carried to the Vicksburg
authorities had made no mention of troops.

Though Porter had put on so bold a front before his captives, he
really felt much anxiety for the fate of his iron-clads. He could hear
nothing from Sherman, who might be thirty