From this point they could
see the group of prisoners about the fire, which was in a rather
dying condition. It was evident that some of the guards had
succumbed to weariness, but Perkins still watched with the
tirelessness of hate, his lantern so placed that its rays fell on
Scoville, who could not make a movement without being observed.
Indeed, it was clear that he, too, was almost overcome with sleep,
for he occasionally nodded and swayed before the fire.
"Now, Miss Lou," whispered Chunk, "I gwine ter wake Marse Scoville
up by tootin' lak a squinch-owl," and he did so briefly.
The Union officer was much too wary to start and look around, but he
gradually proved that he was alert. Close scrutiny of Perkins showed
that the signal had no significance to him.
"Miss Lou," resumed Chunk, "dere's not'n fer you but ter walk right
down de road ter de fire, berry quiet like, put yo' finger on yo'
lips ter Perkins so he tink you 'bout ter play de debil trick, en'
den lead Marse Scoville into de gyardin.
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