ng of the guards, they
stopped for consultation. It would not do to keep together. They decided
to go two and two. Calhoun handed each a sum of money. There was a strong
clasping of the hands, a whispered farewell, and they who had dared so
much separated.

The next morning there was consternation in the penitentiary at Columbus.
The news of Morgan's escape was flashed over the country. The Federal
authorities were astonished, dumbfounded. A reward of five thousand
dollars was offered for his recapture. Every house in Columbus was
searched, but to no purpose. John Morgan had flown.

[Illustration: ESCAPE OF MORGAN FROM PRISON]

CHAPTER XXIII.

THE FLIGHT TO THE SOUTH.

The 1:15 train from Columbus to Cincinnati was about to start. "All
aboard," shouted the conductor.

Two gentlemen sauntered into one of the cars, to all appearances the most
unconcerned of individuals. They took different seats, the younger just
behind the older. General Morgan and Calhoun had reached the train in
safety; had purchased tickets, and taken their seats without exciting
suspicion. A moment more and they would be on their way South.

A Federal major came hurrying in and seated himself beside Morgan, and the
two entered into conversation. On the way out of the city the train had to
pass close to the penitentiary. The major, pointing to the grim, dark
pile, and thinking he might be imparting some information, said: "There is
where they keep the notorious John Morgan."

"May he always be kept as safe as he is now," quickly replied the General.

"Oh! they will keep him safe enough," said the major, complacently
stroking his chin. The major better understood the Delphic answer of the
General the next morning.

All went well until Dayton was reached, where by some accident the train
was held over an hour. It was an anxious hour to Morgan and Calhoun. It
meant that the train would be late in Cincinnati, that before they arrived
there the Federal authorities of the city might be informed of the escape.
It would never do for them to ride clear into the city. As the train
slowed up as it entered the suburbs, the General and Calhoun both dropped
off without being noticed.

Morgan being well acquainted with the city, they quickly made their way to
a ferry, and by the time the escape had been discovered at the
penitentiary, Morgan's feet were pressing the soil of Kentucky. Ca