Frank soon became acquainted with his fellow-prisoners, and the stories they told of their treatment made the cold sweat start out all over him; but when he spoke of escape, he was surprised to find that there was not one among them who dared to make the attempt.  But this did not alter his determination.  He resolved that, rather than remain in prison, he would go alone.  He grew stronger every day, and succeeded in securing a pair of shoes, and a compass, for which he gave the last shirt he had.  His determination was to take to the woods, until he had escaped pursuit, and then strike for Red River.  He knew that this route would bring him out a good distance below Vicksburg, but still it would be easier and safer than traveling across the country; and he hoped that the rebel stronghold would be taken by the time he reached the Mississippi River.

Finally, one dark night—­after he had well matured his plans—­he concluded to make the trial.  So, waiting until every one in the room appeared to be asleep—­for he had been told that there were some who must know nothing of his intention—­he carefully raised one of the windows, and looked out.  He had made all his observations beforehand, and knew that the window was about twenty feet above the ground.  He had tried in vain to obtain a rope strong enough to assist him in his descent; and his only alternative was, to hang by his hands and “drop” to the ground, where, he hoped, aided by the darkness, to escape the fire of the guards.

He was crawling noiselessly out of the window, when he was startled by the creaking of the stairs, as if some one was descending them; and, at the same time, hasty footsteps sounded under the window.  Frank saw that he had been discovered, and, hastily climbing back into the room, he closed the window and threw himself on the floor, and appeared to be fast asleep.

“Very well done!” exclaimed an officer, who suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.  “Very well done, indeed.  Now, you young Yankee, I don’t want to see you try that move again.  If you do, I shall be obliged to shoot you.  Do you understand?”

Frank replied in the affirmative; and the officer, after satisfying himself that the prisoners were all in the room, went below again, leaving a guard at the head of the stairs, who kept a close watch upon Frank until morning.

He was a good deal annoyed and perplexed at the unsuccessful termination of his adventure; but he could not make up his mind what it was that had led to his discovery.  Still, he was not discouraged; but, in spite of the officer’s warning, determined to renew his attempt at escape, as soon as an opportunity was offered.

The next day, while he was eating his scanty dinner, the lieutenant in charge of the prisoners came in, and, as was his custom, began to argue with them as to the probable termination of the war.  Frank had always hoped that he would let him alone, for the lieutenant invariably became enraged if the prisoners endeavored to uphold their Government.