"'None of your impudence, sir! Remember that you are a prisoner.'

"'Very true; but when you ask questions, you must expect answers.'

"'What are you doing with that gray jacket?'

"'I wear it, sir, to protect myself from the sun and storm.'

"'Where did you get it?'

"'One of the guards at Columbia was kind enough to give it to me, when
he saw that I was suffering for the want of clothing to cover my
nakedness.'

"'He could not have been a true rebel, to assist a Yankee in making his
escape.'

"'He knew nothing of my intention to escape; and I believe he was at
least a kind-hearted man.'

"'Why don't you wear the Federal uniform? Are the Yankees ashamed of
it?'

"'By no means, sir! What few garments were spared me at the time of my
capture were worn out during a long imprisonment, and the clothing which
was sent on to Richmond by our Government during the winter of 1863 for
distribution among the prisoners, was, for the most part, appropriated
by your authorities.'

"'Like most of your contemptible Yankee crew, I believe you to be a
lying scoundrel, and you shall answer to the charge of spy.'

"'Very well, sir, I am compelled to await your pleasure; but you have
heard nothing but the truth.'

"'Guard! take the prisoners to the jail, place them in a cell, and keep
them in close confinement until further orders.'"

The above colloquy between Wheeler and his prisoners reflects small
credit upon him as a leader of "Southern Chivalry."

CHAPTER XXV.

FINAL ESCAPE FROM CAPTIVITY.

In jail.--White trash.--Yankees.--Off to Waynesboro.--No rations.
Calling the roll.--Sylvania.--Plan for escape.--Lieutenant John
W. Wright.--A desperate project.--Escaped!--Giving chase.--The
pursuers baffled.--Old Richard.--"Pooty hard case, massa."--Rebel
deserters.--The sound of cannon.--Personating a rebel
officer.--Mrs. Keyton.--Renewed hope.--A Confederate
outpost.--Bloodhounds.--Uncle Philip.--March Dasher.--Suspicion
disarmed.--"Now I'ze ready, gemmen."--Stars and
stripes.--Glorious freedom.--Home!

In obedience to orders, Glazier and his comrade were at once marched off
to the county jail at Springfield, Georgia, then in the hands of the
military authorities. They were the only military prisoners confined
there, and were allowed the privilege of leaving their cell and going
into the yard for fresh air. They were not a little amused by the crowds
of wondering citizens who v