“And when will we leave,” Alfred asked.

“To-night at twelve is the time fixed between us,” he replied.  “The fellow appeared unwilling at first, but a little persuasion with a sight at the watch and money, was too much for his nature, and he yielded to my wishes.”

“Then everything goes on well, if the fellow does not play us false,” Alfred remarked.

“That is a risk we are bound to run,” replied Harry.  “I think the fellow means to be honest, if a man can be honest who agrees to allow a prisoner to escape, who is placed under his charge.”

“Did you inform him there were two of us who desired to leave,” asked Alfred.

“Yes,” was the reply; “I would never have bothered to escape and run the risk of re-capture and harsh treatment, did not you desire to leave this place, and the trip could as well be made with you as otherwise.”

Alfred pressed his friend’s hand warmly, as he replied.  “Thank you, Harry, I trust I will be able to return the kindness you have shown me, at some future and more favorable time.”

“Poh, poh!” he replied.  “Don’t speak of it.  The kindness has been paid for long ago,” pointing to his wound as he spoke.

“I expect we may as well make preparations to leave,” remarked Alfred, after a moment’s pause.

“Preparations!” echoed his friend, “What in the name of all that is glorious, do you require any preparations for?” and then, he added dryly, “there is one thing certain, my trunk (?) is already packed, although I don’t know if yours is.”

“A truce to joking about trunks,” replied Alfred, “but seriously you must be aware that we cannot leave here without being dressed in citizens clothes.”

“The thunder!” exclaimed Harry, “are you going to raise any more objections?”

“No,” he replied, “but it is absolutely necessary that we shall be apparelled in different clothes to those of a soldier.”

“I think we can get a couple of suits to borrow from the officers, but how I will get them, without their knowing our intention to escape, is a matter of much difficulty.  If they should once know it, the whole crowd will desire to leave with us.”

“That would be unreasonable on their part,” replied Alfred.  “They must be aware that every man cannot get away at the same time, and to desire or attempt such a thing would be to ensure the re-capture of every man.”

“Well, I will start now on the borrowing expedition, and by some subterfuge, be saved the necessity of informing any person of our intention.”

Having moved off as he spoke, and proceeding to the tent of a brother officer, succeeded in borrowing a citizens’ coat and pants without exciting any suspicion of his intended escape.  At the next place he went to, a few remarks were made, but upon his informing the Captain to whom he applied, that he desired to have his uniform renovated, and had no change of clothing while that was being done.  The citizens’ clothes were cordially loaned, and he returned to Alfred with a joyous heart.