tteries which were believed to be in process of construction
farther up the river. But Captain Osborn was an unreasonable man, and
demanded the execution of his plan. He was determined to see a
conflagration, and Somers was equally determined to gratify him.

Our pilot discovered the value of his limited nautical experience in
Pinchbrook Harbor; for it enabled him to convince the rebel officer that
he was a full-fledged "salt," and was entirely at home on the deck of any
vessel that could float in the waters of the James. The stern-line and
the bow-line were cast off; and Somers stood in the little wheel-house,
ready to ring the bells. Captain Osborn had just stepped on shore,
intending to mount his horse and ride up the river, where he could see
the conflagration when it came off.

Just then, there was a tremendous commotion among the firemen and
engineer; and, a moment later, a broad, bright sheet of flame rose from
the heap of combustibles in the after-part of the steamer.

CHAPTER XX

CAPTAIN DE BANYAN FINDS AN OLD FRIEND

Both Somers and De Banyan flew to the rescue, and made a most
enthusiastic attempt to check the fire; but the raging element was now
past control. The flames spread through the combustible material which
had been stored on the deck; and they were compelled to abandon the
ill-starred steamer with the utmost precipitation, in order to save their
own lives.

De Banyan had rolled up an old newspaper, making of it a kind of torch,
some three feet in length, which he had inserted in a mass of pitch-wood
shavings, and set the end on fire. It had burned long enough to remove
suspicion from him; and, when the pilot and crew went on shore, Captain
Osborn had no idea of the trick of which he had been made the victim. Our
scouts kept up appearances in the most remarkable manner, and Somers was
only afraid that his zealous companion would overdo the matter.

"What do you mean by that, Captain Osborn?" demanded Somers, as he shook
the cinders from his clothes in the presence of the rebel officer. "Did
you intend to sacrifice our lives?"

"Yes; burn us up before we had time to leave the old hulk!" added De
Banyan furiously. "I thought we were to light the fire ourselves."

"I didn't do it," replied Captain Osborn.

"You didn't? Who did do it, then?" persisted Somers.

"I don't know."

"Well, I don't know; but, in my opinion, you did it yourself."

"You are an idiot! Do you think I would de