"Although you were sometimes obliged to use me rather roughly, you did the best you could under the circumstances, and I shall let you see that I don't forget favors. I'll speak to the colonel, and get him to furnish you with quarters at the plantation to-night."
The lieutenant then left them, and shortly afterward a corporal and his guard came up, and conducted Frank and the mate to the plantation, where they were confined in a deserted negro cabin. A few blankets had been spread out on the floor to serve as a bed, and, had they been among friends, they could have passed a very comfortable night.
As soon as the corporal had locked the door and retired, the mate, who had been examining their quarters, said:
"I wish, sir, that lieutenant hadn't taken so much interest in you, 'cause we're in Darby now, sure."
"We are much better off than we would be out in the camp," answered Frank. "Try that window-shutter—carefully, now."
The mate did as he was ordered, and, to Frank's joy, reported that it was unfastened.
"Now," said the latter, "the next thing is to ascertain where the sentries are posted."
"There's one out aft here," replied the mate, "'cause I can see him; and there's one at the gangway for'ard, 'cause I heered the corporal tell him to keep a good look-out."
"We must wait until the camp is still," said Frank, "and then we will make the attempt."
For two long hours the prisoners sat on their rough bed—the mate, in accordance with the discipline to which he had been accustomed from boyhood, waiting for his officer to speak, and Frank listening for the advent of that silence which should proclaim that the time for action had arrived.