So well did he play his part, that the doctor declared that it was impossible for him to go on; and he was accordingly left behind.

As soon as the prisoners had gone, he was carried to the hospital, which was a large brick building, standing on the outskirts of the town.

The lower floor was used as a barrack for the soldiers who guarded the building, and the upper rooms as a hospital and guard-house.

Frank found about fifteen Federal soldiers, and as many rebels, who were confined for various offenses, principally desertion.
Frank soon became acquainted with his fellow-prisoners, and the stories they told of their treatment made the cold sweat start out all over him; but when he spoke of escape, he was surprised to find that there was not one among them who dared to make the attempt.

But this did not alter his determination.