As Chunk saw the
leaping flames and the lantern so placed that its rays fell on
Scoville, he was almost in despair of any chance for rescue, but
believed that his best course was to watch for some change which
promised better. He remembered how Scoville had employed the
hootings of the screech-owl as a signal, and resolved by the same
means to prepare the prisoner for co-operation with any effort in
his behalf. Therefore he hooted softly and was glad to see from
Scoville's alert yet wary manner that he had recognized the signal.
So intent was Chunk in watching his master that he did not hear the
steps of a bewildered Confederate who stumbled over him and fell
headlong with a volley of oaths. The negro employed woful strategy
to mislead the soldier, for he grunted like a pig, thus awakening
hopes of more fried pork. The result was immediate pursuit by all
within hearing, and Chunk with difficulty escaped by the aid of
darkness and his complete familiarity with the place. When at last
he found himself secure he panted, "Mout ez well be took fer Chunk
ez a hog.
Pages:
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328