The major thought it best to remain concealed during the day, and at night boldly follow the road.
This plan was adopted, for the entire party--including the soldiers Frank had just released--were dressed in butternut clothes; besides this, the papers which had been taken from the lieutenant would greatly assist them, if their plan was carried out with skill and determination.

And, in regard to the prisoner--who, of course, had not heard a word of the consultation--it was decided to detain him for a day or two, in order that he might be led to believe that it was their intention to keep as far away from Red River as possible, and then release him.
After their plans had all been determined upon, Frank opened his sack of provisions, when, eating a scanty meal, they again started forward.
They kept along on the edge of the plantations until the day began to dawn, and then turned into the woods and encamped..