heard sounds behind them, which told
them that the search below had been thorough, and that the enemy were
convinced that they had gone up the river instead of down, and the
pursuit was now being carried on in that direction. A bright light was
seen from the masthead of a ship below them, this being meant as a
signal to those above. As they went on, they saw a light flash from the
masthead of a vessel some way ahead of them.

"Pull steady, boys," he said. "We may be able to pass the ship without
being seen, and, if not, I think I can find a way to fool them and run
the blockade."

As they went on, a boat was seen crossing their bow at some little
distance, and Dick told the boys to get the lanterns ready. On they
went, and at last a hail came from the boat ahead:

"Ahoy! Who are you?"

The lanterns suddenly flashed, and Dick cried:

"There are the rebels, men. Don't let them fool you. Get ready, all of
you!"

"Hello! Boat ahoy! Are you looking for rebels?"

"Yes, and we've got you! Surrender, or we'll run you down!"

"Why, you dunderhead, we are looking for rebels ourselves!"

"By George! then they must be below. Go down there and look for them!"

"What authority have you over us, I'd like to know?" in an angry tone.

"See that masthead light? That means to look out for the enemy. We are
here to see that the enemy are looked out for. That's my authority! Pull
ahead, my men!"

The middy in the other boat saw just enough blue and gold lace to
mistake Dick for a naval officer, and the young patriot's tone of
authority did the rest.

"Very good, sir!" promptly, and the boats containing the boys went on,
the names painted on the sterns being seen, and no one supposing that
any one but British bluejackets would be in them.

"Keep a sharp lookout below there, Midshipman!" said Dick, in a
commanding tone. "There is no use of that light. You are only giving the
rebels warning."

The other boat went on, and the masthead light was presently
extinguished, much to Bob's delight.

"The thing has burned out, I suppose," he muttered, "and they will not
renew it. Good thing, too!"

"Keep on steady, boys, and make as little noise as possible," said Dick.
"We are not out of danger yet, and no one knows what may happen before
we get up to the obstructions."

"We may be able to go ashore there, Captain," observed Harry, "in place
of having to get through them."

"Yes, if there are no lines drawn across the island at