He had tried in vain to obtain a rope strong enough to assist him in his descent; and his only alternative was, to hang by his hands and "drop" to the ground, where, he hoped, aided by the darkness, to escape the fire of the guards.
He was crawling noiselessly out of the window, when he was startled by the creaking of the stairs, as if some one was descending them; and, at the same time, hasty footsteps sounded under the window.

Frank saw that he had been discovered, and, hastily climbing back into the room, he closed the window and threw himself on the floor, and appeared to be fast asleep.
"Very well done!" exclaimed an officer, who suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs.

"Very well done, indeed.

Now, you young Yankee, I don't want to see you try that move again.

If you do, I shall be obliged to shoot you.