Wirz marched the other two back and, for a wonder, did not punish them, probably because he was so rejoiced at his success in capturing them.

He was beaming with delight when he returned them to our squad, and said, with a chuckle: "Brisoners, I pring you pack two of dem tam Yankees wat got away yesterday, unt I run de oder raskal into a mill-pont and trowntet him." What was our astonishment, about three weeks later, to see Tom, fat and healthy, and dressed in a full suit of butternut, come stalking into the pen.

He had nearly reached the mountains, when a pack of hounds, patrolling for deserters or negros, took his trail, where he had crossed the road from one field to another, and speedily ran him down.

He had been put in a little country jail, and well fed till an opportunity occurred to send him back.

This patrolling for negros and deserters was another of the great obstacles to a successful passage through the country.