“Stay one moment, Miss Hayward,” answered Wells. “Let us first learn in what manner my deliverance can be effected. Captain Walker, you can proceed.”
“You speak very coldly, Lieutenant Wells, to one who comes to offer you service. But, before I proceed, I must exact a promise, that if my proposition is not accepted, those to whom my words are addressed will make no exposure of the same.”
There was a nod of assent, and Walker proceeded:
“I will not deny the fact that solicitude for Miss Hayward impels the act. But of this no more. Lieutenant Wells, you are unbound and unwatched. Place your sash across your breast, as worn by the officer of the day. I will give you the counter-sign, and thus you will be enabled to pass the pickets, and make good your escape. You can secure a safe retreat, and, after the excitement of the mur—of this unfortunate affair—has died away, Miss Hayward can be apprised of your place of concealment, and take such action in the case as her judgment or heart may dictate.”
A deathlike silence reigned for a moment, during which rapid glances were exchanged between the friends. At length Wells asked:
“Captain Walker, would not an escape imply, upon my part, an acknowledgment of the crime of which I am accused?”
“It might, in the estimation of many. But, you are generally believed guilty. What matters it what your actions imply to _them_? Your friends here, who have already made up their minds, will merely look upon it as a desire upon your part to escape a certain, an unmerited, and a dishonorable death.”
“And will you afterward convey Miss Hayward to me if she will come?”
“With pleasure; you but anticipate my intended services.”
Another rapid and significant glance passed between Mrs. Hinton and Wells, which was not observed by Walker.
“One thing more, Walker: do _you_ believe me guilty of murder?”
“I _may_ have been mistaken. But, be that as it may, I will assist your flight.”
“I wish you to return to your cell, and when all is ready, say _two or three o’clock_, I will come for you.”
Walker perceived his mistake, and quickly added:
“As you please, sir.” And turning, he was about to leave the tent, when he was confronted by the “officer of the day.”
“Captain Walker,” he said, sternly, “you feel an especial interest in Lieutenant Wells. I did not suppose so, but learned the fact from your conversation. I am glad you _do_ feel so great a friendship for him. You shall have opportunity to make it manifest. You shall become his Pythias!”