X

THE BIRTH OF THE DEATH-DAWN

We durst not swim to the nearest landing, just beyond the bow of the
big flag-ship we had so unceremoniously quitted, fearing our efforts to
stem the current might attract the attention of some watcher on board.
So permitting myself to drift silently beneath the vessel's stern,
without the stir of a limb to disturb the water, I was soon well away
from the great black shadow. Without a word De Noyan followed. Yet
time was far too precious to permit long drifting, and at the earliest
moment I dared the venture we turned aside, striking out boldly for the
shore.

"We must move rapidly, Chevalier, to make up lost time," I cautioned
briefly, wading out, dripping, upon the bank.

"Are the streets patrolled by the Dons?"

"Ay! although not as thoroughly as when the Spaniards first landed. We
shall require to exercise caution."

"Where do you take me? There can be no safe hiding spot in New
Orleans?"

"I know none. We go to the rear of a long row of tobacco sheds near
the North Gate. A boat thoroughly stocked, with two oar men, awaits
us."

"I mind the place," he said eagerly, "I outfitted there for hunting
more than once. It is best for me to lead, as I know well every inch
of the path, and have grown interested in the play."

He certainly proved his familiarity with that labyrinth of sombre
streets and alleys. Selecting a devious course, stooping low beneath
the black shadows of walls and fences, he yet set so swift a gait with
his confounded long legs it kept me puffing to follow. But we found
clear passage, seeing no one close enough to interfere with our rapid
progress, while no challenge sounded, until we crept, silently as
possible, around the dilapidated end of the old tobacco shed, and a
black figure, scarcely distinguishable in the gloom, suddenly arose,
uttering no word, yet with threatening gesture, barring further passage
toward the river.

"Virginia," I gasped, breathless from the hard run.

"Bless de Lawd, Massa Benteen," returned a darky voice. "An' Massa
Charlie, as I 'm a sinner. I tell you, sah, we done 'bout gib you both
up fo' suah."

"Stop talking just now, Alphonse, and lead along lively," said De
Noyan, with returning authority. "We can converse later, in
surroundings more congenial."

Another moment and we were in the boat, the Chevalier pushing it clear
of the bank, then lightly clambering in over the stern.

"Benteen," he exclaimed, panti