up," said Duncan, in a low, sympathizing tone, "I think we can find
a way to escape; men have done so even from the Bastile--a far more
difficult task, I should say."

"What's your idea?"

"To dig our way out, working at night, and covering up the traces of our
work by day."

"Yes, it's the only way possible, so far as I can see," said Harold. "I
have already escaped twice in that way, but only to be retaken, and this
is what I gained," shaking his chain, and pointing to the heavy ball
attached. "Yet, if I were rid of this, and possessed of a little more
strength, I'd make a third attempt."

"I think I could rid you of that little attachment," returned Duncan; "and
the tunnel once ready, help you in the race for liberty."

The others of the group were exchanging significant nods and glances.

"I think we may let Duncan into our secret," said Jones. "We're digging a
well; have gone down six feet; three feet below the surface is soapstone,
so soft we can cut it with our jack-knives. We mean to work our way out
to-night. Will you join us?"

"With all my heart."

"Suppose we are caught in the attempt," said one.

"We can't be in much worse condition than now," observed another;
"starving in this pestiferous atmosphere filled with the malaria from that
swamp, and the effluvia from half-decayed corpses; men dying every day,
almost every hour, from famine, disease, or violence."

"No," said Harry, "we may bring upon ourselves what Allison is enduring,
or instant death; but I for one would prefer the latter to the slow
torture of starvation."

"If we are ready," said Harold, in low, solemn tones. "It is appointed to
men once to die, and after that the judgment."

"And what should you say was the needful preparation?" queried another,
half-mockingly. "'Repent ye and believe the gospel.' 'Let the wicked
forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return
unto the Lord and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will
abundantly pardon.' 'Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be
saved.'"

Silence fell on the little group. Duncan's eyes wandered over the field,
over the thousands of brave men herded together there like cattle, with
none of the comforts, few of the necessaries of life--over the living, the
dying, the dead; taking in the whole aggregate of suffering with one
sweeping glance. His eyes filled; his whole soul was moved with
compassion, while he half forgot that h