He could, at ordinary times, by standing on the upturned bucket, have reached it with a spring, and pulled himself up to it, but at present he was wholly incapable of such exertion.

He thought, however, that after a night's rest he would be able to do it.
The door was so strong that he had no hope of escape in that direction.
As he might at any moment be disturbed, he returned to the straw on which he had at first been thrown, laid himself down, and in a very short time dropped off to sleep.
It was dark, before he was awoke by the turning of the key in the lock, and two men entered, one of them bearing a horn lantern.
"Where am I ?" Walter asked, in a feeble tone, as they approached him.
"Never mind where you are," one said roughly.

"Get up." Walter seemed to make an effort, and then fell back with a groan.
The man repeated his order, emphasizing it with a kick.

Walter again made an effort, and, as before, sank back.
"Here, catch hold of him," the man said, impatiently, "it's no use fooling here with him." The men took Walter under the arms and lifted him up, and half dragged, half carried him out of the stable and into the house adjoining.

He was taken into a room where four or five men were sitting.
"Now, young fellow," one said sharply, "tell us what corps you belong to." Walter looked stupidly at his questioner, but made no answer.
"Answer my question," the man said, levelling a pistol at him, "or I will blow out your brains at once." Still Walter stared at him stupidly, and made no reply, except to mutter, "Water." "It's no use," one of the other men said.