He did not like the latter, but he thought that, after the reconciliation that had taken place between them, it was only right to take him rather than a stranger.

Drawing them aside, then, he told them that he had arranged a mode of escape; it was impossible that all could avail themselves of it, but that they were welcome to accompany him.

They thanked him heartily for the offer, and, when he explained the manner in which he intended to make off, agreed to try their fortunes with him.
"I propose," he said, "as soon as we are fairly beyond the prison, we separate, and each try to gain the frontier as best he can.

The fact that three prisoners have escaped will soon be known all over the country, and there would be no chance whatever for us if we kept together.

I will tell my boy to have three disguises ready; and when we once put aside our uniforms I see no reason why, traveling separately, suspicion should fall upon us; we ought to have no difficulty until at any rate we arrive near the border, and there must be plenty of points where we can cross without going anywhere near the Federal camps." The others at once agreed that the chances of making their way separately were much greater than if together.