prison, and intend to get away by some means or other."

"It is all very good to talk about getting away," said Harry. "For the
matter of that, I am as anxious to leave as you are, but in the name
of wonder, how are we going to manage it?"

"That is the very thing I desire to consult you about. We certainly
will never escape, unless we make the attempt; but in what manner we
are to attempt it, is exactly what I desire to know."

"What do you say to bribing one of the sentinels?" asked Harry.

"Where will we get the means from?" inquired Alfred. "I have some
Confederate Treasury notes, but they will not be any temptation to a
Yankee."

"Leave me to find the means," replied Harry. "I have a fine gold
watch, and about seventy dollars in gold. These will be sufficient, I
think, to attempt the cupidity of any Dutchman in the Yankee army."

"And how do you propose offering the bribe?" Alfred inquired.

"I shall look out for the first chance to speak to the sentinel at the
gate, some time during the day, and will make the necessary
preparations to escape to-night, if the Yankee will accept my offer."

"That will do very well," observed Alfred, "There is one thing,
however, I must remind you of. It will not do to offer the sentinel
all your gold, for we will require money to pay our way into
Tennessee."

"Do you never fear that," replied Harry. "I will be certain to reserve
enough funds for our expenses. It does not cost much at any time to
travel through these Northern States."

"Well, I trust to you to make all the necessary arrangements," replied
Alfred. "I am determined not to remain in this place, with my mind so
disturbed about my wife and children. If I can only reach the
Confederate lines safely, I will have no difficulty in hearing from
New Orleans."

"I will make every effort to facilitate an escape," remarked Harry;
"and if my penetrating qualities do not deceive me, there is a
sentinel at the gate to-day, who would not be averse to taking a
bribe, even if it permits a "rebel" to escape. Cheer up, my friend,"
he continued. "I will guarantee that your wife and children are all
well and happy, except a natural anxiety on your account."

Alfred made no reply, and the two friends shortly after separated.

Harry kept an assiduous watch for an opportunity to speak with the
sentinel. The time for the man to remain on guard expired, however,
without any favorable chance presenting itself. He was, therefore,