rter. He is very pale and worn looking. He is without
his coat; his clothes ragged and soiled.

Carter (looking up). What's the trouble?

Third Soldier. Nothing. No water, that's all.

Carter. I've got a little in a cup near the window. Take it.

Third Soldier (hesitates). Don't you want it?

Carter. No. But, say, will you do something for me?

Third Soldier. Won't I, though.

Carter. And keep quiet about it?

Third Soldier. Yes.

Carter. That fellow Cabell in there is a friend of mine. He's got
something to tell me, but the warden watches you like a hawk. Send him
in here and keep the others there.

[Exit soldier.

I can't make it out. He was captured alone. Uncle escaped. Then why not
he? They were together. He's got to tell me, for I--

[Enter Gordon.

Shut the door!

Gordon (looking quickly around). We are alone. What time is it?

Carter. A little after eleven.

Gordon. There's time! There's time!

Carter. What do you mean?

Gordon (come nearer). We're going to escape.

Carter (breathless). Escape! How?

Gordon. I've tried all day to get a word with you but that warden
watches too close. We're going to get out of this--You first. Remember,
you have got the information.

Carter. All of it. But what's your plan?

Gordon. Before they brought me here I got word with your uncle
and told him where we'd be. 'Twas a shot in the air, but it struck all
right. I told them they would take us to the prison here at Columbus.
Now underneath this floor there is a big drain pipe very near the brick
work and on this night at twelve o'clock, a man sent here by Morgan was
coming up the drain and tunnel up to us (here the prison clock strikes
the half-hour). Ah! The bell! One. The half hour. Now if the man shall
come we can be waiting. This is the room. Ah, if he should fail.

Carter. Can you save any of the others, shall we tell them?

Gordon. What time does the warden come on his last rounds?

Carter. Usually about twelve.

Gordon. Twelve. The very hour!

Carter. He may be late.

Gordon. We'll have to chance it.

Carter. How will we know when he comes up the drain?

Gordon. I told your uncle to have him dig until he came to the
brick work, then we can tear up the floor and go down to him.

Carter. How is it you were captured and not Uncle Phil. I don't
understand?