human
So far as the feasibility of the attempt is concerned, observed Harry, as soon as Alfred had concluded,
gpt
I think it could be attempted. But about the result, you will have to trust to luck.
human
I am aware of that, he replied.
gpt
But I do not know how the attempt can possibly be made. The camp is so well guarded, that an attempt to escape is almost hopeless of success.
human
Pshaw! If you are determined to go, I see nothing to prevent your making the attempt. If it even fails, the most that will be done to you by the Federals is closer confinement.
gpt
I do not care much about that risk, he replied.
human
My desire is to form some plan of escape. Can you devise one by which I can get away?
gpt
That is a difficult task, said Harry.
human
But as we are of the same desire, I suppose something must be done. What do you say about digging a tunnel, and escaping by that route?
gpt
That is a very good idea; but it will take too long, replied Alfred.
human
Besides which, what are we to do with the dirt that is dug up?
gpt
I never thought of that, he answered.
human
But now that you have reminded me of it, I do not believe the plan will suit. Some other must be devised, but what it is to be, I cannot, for the life of me, imagine.
gpt
What do you say to scaling the walls?
human
A very good idea it would be, if we had anything to scale them with,
gpt
Suppose we tear up our blankets and make a rope of them.
human
How will you attach the rope to the wall?
gpt
We can easily get a hook of wire and throw it over. It will be certain to catch,
human
Very likely, observed Harry, drily,
gpt
I do not know what to think, replied Alfred;
human
That is true, answered Harry, laughing,
gpt
Then think of something else, and I will acquiesce, no matter how extravagant it may be, said Alfred.
human
I am tired of this cursed prison, and intend to get away by some means or other.
gpt
It is all very good to talk about getting away, said Harry.
human
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?
gpt
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.
human
What do you say to bribing one of the sentinels?
gpt
Where will we get the means from? inquired Alfred.
human
I have some Confederate Treasury notes, but they will not be any temptation to a Yankee.
gpt
Leave me to find the means, replied Harry.
human
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.
gpt
And how do you propose offering the bribe?
human
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.
gpt
That will do very well, observed Alfred,
human
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.
gpt
Do you never fear that, replied Harry.
human
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.
gpt
Well, I trust to you to make all the necessary arrangements, replied Alfred.
human
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.
gpt
I will make every effort to facilitate an escape, remarked Harry;
human
rebel
gpt
he continued.
human
I will guarantee that your wife and children are all well and happy, except a natural anxiety on your account.