“De Lawd keep yo’!” said Aunt Liza, wiping her eyes.
Calhoun had determined to start early in the evening, travel all night, lie concealed during the day, and travel the next night. By that time he thought he would be so far away from the place of his escape that he could venture to take the cars without danger. Aunt Liza had supplied him with ample provisions for the two days. He carried out his programme, and on the morning of the second day found himself near a small town where he concluded to take the cars, but deemed it safer to wait for the night train. The conductor eyed him sharply when he paid his fare instead of showing a pass, for soldiers generally travelled on Federal transportation. But the conductor took the money and passed on without remark.
Opposite Calhoun in the car sat a gentlemanly looking man, and much to Calhoun’s surprise, when the conductor passed, he saw the gentleman make the sign of recognition of the Knights of the Golden Circle, and it was answered by the conductor. When the conductor next passed Calhoun gave the sign. The man stared, but did not answer. But he seemed to be troubled, and passed through the cars frequently, and Calhoun saw that he was watching him closely. At length, in passing, the conductor bent down and whispered to the gentleman opposite. Calhoun now knew another pair of eyes were observing him.
Watching his opportunity, Calhoun gave this gentleman the sign of recognition. The gentleman shifted uneasily in his seat, but did not answer.
“I will give you something stronger,” thought Calhoun, and the next time he caught the gentleman’s eye, he gave the sign of distress. This was a sign no true knight could afford to ignore. Leaning over, the gentleman said, “My boy, you look pale. Have you been sick?”
“Very, and I now need friends,” answered Calhoun.
“Come over here and tell me about it,” said the gentleman.
Calhoun took a seat by his side, and the man whispered, “Are you a deserter, and are they after you?”
“Yes,” said Calhoun.
“Where are you going?”