“Be cautious. Trust no one without the word. It was the neglect on my part, thinking it all right, to demand the ‘words,’ which brought me into this scrape!”
The “rounds” approached, and the sentinel was relieved.
Nothing of importance transpired in camp for the next three days. An unusual quiet prevailed. It is true, there was much talk upon the subject of the attempted murder, and many expressions of bitterness against Walker. Some even went so far as to suggest the hanging of that wretch before the army left Springfield, lest he should escape. None were more vehement than a repulsive looking soldier, known throughout camp as “ugly Jim!” He stated that he had been on guard only a few nights before in front of the prisoner’s quarters, and that he had every reason to believe Walker was trying to escape, adding that he wished he had been satisfied of the fact, as he would have been glad of an opportunity to put a bullet through the murderous scoundrel.
The party had been drinking freely, and had become exceedingly communicative. One of the soldiers, whose post was No. 1 on guard duty that night—that is, in front of the prisoner’s door—swore he would shoot Walker if he could find any pretext.
“_You_ have no spite against him,” exclaimed ugly Jim, “and _I_ have. Let _me_ take the matter in hand. I will stand your guard, and if the villain attempts to move, I’ll riddle him, sure as Potosi lead mines.”
“Enough said. I am on the second relief. I go on at seven and off at nine; again at twelve and off at two. This will be your time.”
Ugly Jim then approached the tent of Miss Hayward, and requested an audience alone with that lady. It so happened that she was alone, Alibamo having gone to visit her husband, and Sally being at the time strolling through the camp with Nettleton.
“If you wish to learn all the particulars about your brother, I think you can do so,” said Jim, in a tone of great kindness.
“Oh! in what manner?” asked Miss Hayward, eagerly.
“I don’t exactly know. But I will tell you what I _do_ know. You see I am on guard to-night from twelve till two, over the cell of Walker. I don’t like the villain any way, but, he told me if I would get you to come to him, he would tell you all he knows of the matter!”