The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-12-20

that the children of Col. Richmond S
family waited the coming OF Christmas
in 1865, for the four long weary years
of war had deprived them OF anything
like a real Christmas. 1t is true the
stockings had each year been hung ~ the
chimney in mothers room, Tor however
heavy the hearts OF the older ones were
over the gloomy outlook to the cause
they loved SO well, the children must
not be made sad too, so If It were only
auDles. nuts, molasses candy, rag dolls
and homemade balls, they were only too
glad they had these to give.
MANY were the ordinations of delight.
that bright Christmas morning, as the
gifts were taken from the beautiful holly
tree. with it's red berries and glossy green
leaves. From dear old grandma, her face
bcaming with happiness, over once
more united family down to Johnny
Reb,' the "war baby" all had just
what they most desired.
Nor has old black Nanny Juno tor
gotten, for she and the few other darkles
who still retained their old places in the
household all received pretty and appro-
pirate gifts.
Robert the Oldest son, manly young
by the gift of fine rifle to replace the
loss of one that had been captured by
some of the Federal troops during their
march through the town.
"Now that you are again the owner
of a gum" said Col. Richmond, a few
days after Christmas, II will have to
send you to look after some matters for
me at the plantation. You can get your
Cousin Edward and friend Harry Thorn
ton to go there with you, and have
too while you are there and we will have
a royal good time hunting. The new
overseer will soon relieve you"
"That is the very thing father we have
been wishing to have,' said Robert. "Old
Handy and Sarah are there and they will
cook for U.S."
It took but a short time for Robert
to see his young friends and arrange
ments We're quickly made for their stay
at the plantation, five miles from their
residence in town.
No happier boys than these could be
found as they gathered around the table
for supper the first night of their arri-
val Their keen appetites made fast in
roads on the fried ham and eggs. sausage.
corn bread and hot biscuit and their hap
by voices sounded far out on the crisp
and Handy were holding forth to some
OF the neighboring darkies, declaring that
"'dem young men were all fine man
nered." ''Humphl" said Sarah, "all Of
my Miste's chillun always was"
When supper was over, Handy, with
the liberty of an old friend, joined the
circle around the fire, crouching near tie
wide fire place. his honest old face glow
ing with the pleasure he felt at being
privileged to join the merry circle.
MARS Robert said Handy, ''hcve you
and Master heard of dem folks dey say
is prowling round, stealing folkes hogs,
and cows and corn? Dey tells me dar is
a band of dem and dat dey is hiding in
dem thick woods and swamps round the
four bridges, and you know dat amt fur
from here.
Yes said the boys, eve have heard Of
them, but We are not afraid of them, for
each of us has our gum
81 spicious," said Handy. "dey is some
mean white trash, DAFT is been hanging
round here doing nothing since that war
stopped
''You are nearly right 1 expect" said
Robert, "but then Handy, we are all poor
alike now
'Humph. you may be poor in your
pockets, Mars Robert. but you all is
rusty crops in your bones"
And amid the hearty laughs of the
boys, the old darkey, after replonishing
the fire with some big hickory logs, with
drew.
The conversation soon turned on the all
engrossing subject of the war, OF which
they never tired of talking.
81 think the hardest part Of a soldiers
life" Harry said, must have been to be
sent as a picket on one OF those lone
some outposts, when you are liable to be
shot down any moment
''Why, that is just what 1 would have
l;ked," said Robert. 81 have heard tho
soldiers tell of such thrilling experiences.
And as with one accord the boys togeth-
er sang:
cali quiet along the Potomac tonight,
EXCEPT now and then stray picket
Is shot, as he walks on his beat to and
fro,
BY a riieman hid in a thicket."
good part of the next day was spent
in hunting, returning late in the after
neon with bags of birds and rabbits and
appettes sharpened by their long tramps
to rightly enjoy the savory birds and rab-
bit stew, Sarah knew so we'll how to PIE
pare.
Soon after their enjoyable supper was
over, Harry, who lived on an adjoining
plantation, reluctantly left as he had to
return home that night.
Scarcely had the two remaining boys
gathered again around the fire, when
message came from Edwards mother, ask
ing him to come home that night as his
father had unexpectedly been called away.
81 am certinly sorry to leave you here
alone, old fellow" said Edward, had
you not better have Handy come ard
stay with your
ut will be very lonesome, I admit,
after our jolly times together" said
Robert, "but you will both come back
tomorrow and in the meantime I'll just
imagine 1 am a soldier on picket duty
Nevertheless when he saw his cousin
mount his horse and ride away, he felt
a strong temptation to DO the same. 1t
was quite different having good tine
with his friends around the big fire place
and having to return to it with only Dash,
his pointer dog, for company. especially