ed into the narrow path cut in the side of the ravine and
inhaled more draughts of the fresh air. How sweet and strong it was! How
it filled one's lungs and brought with it life, courage and confidence!
One had to live in a hole in a hill before he could appreciate fully the
blessed winds that blew about the world. He knew that the path ran
in front of other hollows dug in the earth, and he felt sorry for the
people who were compelled to burrow in them. He felt sorry, in truth,
for all Vicksburg, because now that he was outside his fears for Grant
disappeared, and he knew that he must win.

While he remained in the path a deep boom came from the direction of the
Union army and a huge shell burst over the town. It was followed in a
moment by another and then by many others. While the besieged rejoiced
in victory the besiegers had begun anew the terrible bombardment,
sending a warning that the iron ring still held.

Dick paused no longer, but ran rapidly along the path until he emerged
upon the open plateau and proceeded toward the center of the town. He
judged that in the hours following a great battle, while there was yet
much confusion, he would find his best chance.

He had reckoned rightly. There was a great passing to and fro in
Vicksburg, but its lights were dim. Oil and candles alike were scarce,
and there was little but the moon's rays to disclose a town to the eye.
The rejoicings over the victory had brought more people than usual into
the streets, but the same exultation made them unsuspicious, and Dick
glided among them in the dusk, almost without fear.

He had concluded that "the longest way around was the shortest way
through," and he directed his steps toward the river. He had formed a
clear plan at last, and he believed that it would succeed. Twisting and
turning, always keeping in the shadows, he made good progress, descended
the bluff, and at last stood behind the ruins of an old warehouse near
the stream.

Southern batteries were not far away from him and he heard the men
talking. Then, strengthening his resolution, he came from behind the
ruins, flung himself almost flat on the ground, and crawled toward the
river, pushing in front of him a board, which some Northern gun had shot
from the warehouse.

He knew that his task was difficult and dangerous, though in the last
resort he could rush to the water and spring in. But he was almost
at the edge before any sentinel saw the black shadow passing o