“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 he himself was one of them.

How much were the consolations of God needed here! how few, comparatively, possessed them.  But some there were who did, and were trying to impart them to others.  Should he stay and share in this good work?  Perhaps he ought; he almost thought so for a moment; but he remembered his country’s need; he had enlisted for the war; he must return to active service, if he could.

Then his eye fell upon Harold.  Here was a noble life to be saved; a life that would inevitably be lost to friends, relatives, country, by but a few weeks’ longer sojourn in this horrible place.  Duncan’s determination was taken:  with the help of God the morning light should find them both free and far on their way towards the Union lines.