The bee., 1902-06-19
CHAPTER ".

sisters. Had the servants all gone
to join that noisy crew that seemed
to be getting nearer all the time, but
still so distant that no word could
be understood.
Old aunt Aimee, the cook who
slept in room near the house, had
been aroused by Robert, at Pauls
suggestion, and told the news, and
asked to listen to the noise.
Then he asked if she would go to
cousin Ben's and tell him, and his
brother-in-law, Albert Gray that
the Yankees were coming and
they would be caught.
She went willingly for the great
noise alarmed her, and she had
been in the family so long that she
was attached to all the family con-
nection. 1t was half mile through
the fields. The old darkey made all
haste she could, and coming in sight
of the house saw that all was dark
and still within. She hastened to
the gate at the back of the house
and was soon at the window knock
ing and calling.
The two men were started out OF
there sleep, but alarms were so fire.
quent they were soon quiet, and
listening to the noise Aimee had
told them of, and hastily prepar.
ing to leave the house at the same
time. A boy was called to get q
horse ready for his master immedia.
tely, and lead him down the path tC
the spring, which was at the foot Of
a steep hill, and well hidden from
the house. Both men left the house
together, but Albert in his haste
had forgotten his pistols and rar
back for them, and as he ran with
them out the back way he heard
the sound of horses coming, and the
well known rattle of sabers canteens
and other things, with which sold
iers are always equipped.
He made dash for the shadow
of trees and houses just in time to
get out of sight; when six men came
galloping up to the gate at the back
of the house.
Fannie, 1 shall die if 1 stay here, ~
said Mrs. Adkins. "Get the child
rem ready, wrap them up warm, and
we will follow Aimee to Cousin
Ben's, though L know my house will
be in ashes when we come back in
the morning"
Maybe not, Sis Kate. They may
not find this place at all tonight, as
it is so far from the main road"
1--WE will risk it anyway, we may
lose the house and our lives too ii
we stay here. 1 know we will be in
as great danger at cousin Ben's, but
there will be more Of us together,
and we will not feel quite so wretch
ed and lonely. Dear old aunt Mary
is so good and Motherly and can
advise as to what is BEST"
"Dear old lady, l know she is un-
easy about Albert. 1 wish he was
safe with his company" Then the
poor troubled woman thought again
of her negroes.
II can't think where the negroes
are. Surely Jack would not desert
us. wonder if they have all gone
over to the enemy. L have never
doubted Jack before. He never
leaves without asking permission
why should he do so tonight"
"Kate, do try to look on the bright
side. Don't you remember that
Bob said Jack had gone to see his
girl. will stand security for his
appearing at daybreak in the morn
ing to make his fires as usual"
They had been getting ready dur
ing this conversation, and as the
noise had subsided somewhat, felt
a little calmer.
They came out in the bright moon
light, and locking the door, though
they knew lock and bolts would
avail nothing if soldiers came and
wanted to enter. They took up their
line of march; the younger children
and Ida in front, Mrs. Adkins and
Fanny in the rear, for Mrs. Adkins
felt so bad about leaving all that
she possessed at the mercy of the
enemy, she could hardly make up
her mind to entirely desert hel
home, but Fanny having nothing
there but some of her wearing ap-
parel, thought it strange that Kate
would hesitate moment, but KEEP
urging her to hurry on. The path
they took lead down by the stables