ground, and drawing the grass around him, and the tent-flap partially over his form, he was safe from detection so long as he did not move. The guard discovering nothing, returned to his post, but the Indian remained quiet, listening to all the conversation within. He became convinced that Nettleton was a friend, and finally attracted his attention, he being seated back of the couch upon which Hayward was lying, and very near Fall-leaf. The Indian waved the paper in his hand, and then let it fall upon the ground. In an instant he sprang to his feet, and dashing the guard to the ground, darted for the woods. He leaped the fence just as the sentinel fired upon him, but the ball whistled by without harming Fall-leaf. He made all haste to join his friends whom he found awaiting him. It was decided to make no further attempts to enter camp, but they determined to follow on, hoping the prisoners might be left at some point under a small guard, which could be attacked and overcome. On the morning the squad under the command of Branch left the main army, our friends were well satisfied that their destination was Springfield, and Johnson determined to hasten back to the Union army, and try to procure assistance. Margrave and Fall-leaf followed on, and saw his sister Alibamo and Captain Hayward, enter the rebel hospital. As both were well known in Springfield, Margrave having escaped from that place but a short time previous, assisted by the Indian, their situation was by no means an enviable one. But they mingled with the loungers, and soon learned that a _hanging_ was to come off the next day at three o'clock. The great event was to take place in the Fair-Ground. CHAPTER XII. _Hanging Day--The Friends--The Plot--The Attack._ There is no pang in thy sharp wedge of steel, After that parting.--_Pythias._ For some hours, Hayward and his sister were permitted to remain alone. Night was fast approaching. Nothing was heard without, but the coarse laugh and jests of the soldiers. As Hayward held his sister in his arms, he murmured: "Would to God she could ever remain unconscious, or die to-night. I feel that a fate far worse than death awaits her, when I am gone, and to-morrow will surely be the fatal day. Oh, may God in his mercy protect this darling one!" "Have I been dreaming?" she sobbed, as she returned to consciousness, and opened her eyes. "I saw my brother in chains, and I heard their dreadful clankings upon the floor." Her eyes met those of her brother, and with a shudder, she buried her face in his breast, as if she would shut out some terrible vision. "Mamie--darling sister, don't you know me?" asked Hayward. "Oh! yes," she cried, starting up. "It is my brother. He is with me, and I am safe and happy. O brother, I met such rude men here, I cannot remain. Let us go at once." She started toward the door. "Come back, sister, I wish to talk with you, and I wish you to listen calmly."