He accordingly took the train, and after arriving in Baltimore, he went directly to Miller's Hotel. Here he found several of his friends, and their greetings were most cordial and hearty. In a few moments others of the party had been notified, and came thronging in to welcome him and to congratulate him upon his escape and present safety. Eager inquiries were made as to the manner in which he had so successfully eluded the soldiers, and how he had spent the time since the occurrence of that event. In reply Webster gave a satisfactory and highly interesting account of his movements, all of which was heartily enjoyed by his listening friends. Gratified beyond expression at the pleasant condition of affairs, he became quite jolly, and the balance of the evening was spent in convivial and social enjoyment.
On the following morning he started out in search of his old friend Sam Sloan, for whom he had a letter from his brother, who was in the rebel army, and stationed at Centreville. Having also a number of letters for other Baltimoreans, he desired to secure Sloan's services in their proper and safe delivery.
Sam looked in astonishment as Webster blandly approached him, and after an effusive greeting he remarked earnestly:
"Webster, you'll have to be mighty careful now, or you will be arrested yet. We are watched night and day—the least suspicious move we make is reported at once—and if repeated, the first thing the offender knows he finds himself in the guard-house."
"Well," replied Webster, laughingly, "I'll have to take my chances with the rest of you."
"I know your grit, Webster," said Sloan, "but by all means be careful. I was arrested myself since you went away."
"The deuce you were!" ejaculated Webster. "How did that occur?"
"Well, I went over to Washington to transact a little business, and while there I met some of the boys, and we had a little 'time.' I don't know what I did, but when I started to come home, the Provost-Marshal arrested me, and I had to take the oath of allegiance before I could get away."
"You don't tell me that you took the oath, Sam?"
"Yes, I did," laughed Sam. "I would take twenty oaths before I would be locked up;" and then he added: "I tell you, we are all spotted here in this city, and who is doing it we can't find out."