“How will you attach the rope to the wall?” asked Harry.

“We can easily get a hook of wire and throw it over.  It will be certain to catch,” he replied.

“Very likely,” observed Harry, drily, “and make such confounded noise, that the first thing we heard after, it would be a Minie ball whistling past our ears; or should it catch without making any noise, the chances are that, when one of us ascends, it will be to meet the burly form of some Dutch sentinel traversing the walk.  The idea is not feasible; so we must think of something else.”

“I do not know what to think,” replied Alfred; “and the probability is, that if I even did, you would find some objection to its performance.”

“That is true,” answered Harry, laughing, “and I accept the reproach in the spirit it is given.  It will never do for us to be raising objections to every plan offered, for that will not hasten our escape.”

“Then think of something else, and I will acquiesce, no matter how extravagant it may be,” said Alfred.  “I am tired of this cursed prison, and intend to get away by some means or other.”

“It is all very good to talk about getting away,” said Harry.  “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?”

“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.”

“What do you say to bribing one of the sentinels?” asked Harry.

“Where will we get the means from?” inquired Alfred.  “I have some Confederate Treasury notes, but they will not be any temptation to a Yankee.”

“Leave me to find the means,” replied Harry.  “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.”

“And how do you propose offering the bribe?” Alfred inquired.

“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.”

“That will do very well,” observed Alfred, “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.”

“Do you never fear that,” replied Harry.  “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.”

“Well, I trust to you to make all the necessary arrangements,” replied Alfred.  “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.”

“I will make every effort to facilitate an escape,” remarked Harry; “and if my penetrating qualities do not deceive me, there is a sentinel at the gate to-day, who would not be averse to taking a bribe, even if it permits a “rebel” to escape.  Cheer up, my friend,” he continued.  “I will guarantee that your wife and children are all well and happy, except a natural anxiety on your account.”