The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-11-29
By RANDALL PARRISH
A FGtieah Anniversary
War Story
COPYRIGHT. Iso9 BY A. C MeLuRc & co.

together. That's the way they have sold for the price of the land" She sprang to her feet, her cheeks burning with swift indignation. "I should have fought it, fought it; but all that Is too late now. I am going, Joe; there's no use talking any longer, and so am going to smile and look happy, and no one but you will ever know that I am not am going to have you and Aunt Diana with me at Fairview just as soon as I can. It will be comfort just to have you there to look at when. my heart seems like breaking. And he'll break it, Joe; I know he will.''
 She was gone, vanishing almost as shadow might.
 sPore little lamb! Pore little lambv' the old negro kept on saying over and over. "An' she am right bout it too; dat Massa Calvert am not de kind fer Miss Jean" Then he passed out also, and was left alone within the shed.
 My interest in the situation thus oddly disclosed, awakened very largely, I must admit, by the extremely at tractive personality of Miss Jean and the deep, pathetic appeal in her soft voice, left me momentarily forgetful of my own unpleasant condition and re- quirements. l durst not follow the retreatins negro. nor did feel, judg- >ng from the bitterness with which both he and the girl had referred t. the Yankees, that this particular color ed brother would prove very much in- clined to assist one wearing my uni form. That I could in any way aid the young woman out of her present difficulty would have been a prepos- terous thought; interested I was, yet I had sufficient trouble on hand of my own. My wounds by this time gave me very little concern, and my mind was sufficiently clear and active. Except for some accident, escape ought not to prove so very difficult, although 1t was true should be compelled to travel through the night, largely by instinct, knowing almost nothing re- garding roads. direction or where Confederate pickets might be encoun- tered If. only possessed some sem blance of Confederate uniform the adventure would become much more simple, for in the confusion which must have followed the late engage ment there would be many scattered soldiers of all arms wandering about seeking their lost commands.
 However, the first important and vi- tai consideration was food, but that as well as all else must wait the con- ing of darkness. The sun had already disappeared behind the grove of trees in the west. There was fire burning in the kitchen of the big plantation house, heavily built negress bustling about busiIy within, her robust shadow clearly revealed by the reflection of the flames. This was probably Diana, and her affection for the Yankees was not apt to differ very widelys from those of the others.
 The night shadows constantly deep ened, and no alarming sound reached me from any direction. Finally Diana came forth on the back steps, holding dish of something smoking hot in her hands, and began calling shrilly for Joe. There was no response. Mutter ing to herself, the negress passed across to the second cabin and, disap- bearing for moment, came forth again empty handed.
 The door was latched, but had no lock: There was no sign of occupancy within, and a moment later I came H1~ w~,skA intended for Joe's supper and bore it safely back still hot and savory to the shelter of the shed. It was a rasher of bacon and corn bread, ample in amount, admirably cooked, and cer- tainly enjoyed it to the very last crumb.
 There was no sound of horses hoofs stamping in the front yard, nor could perceive any sign of pacing senti- mel before the house. The guard of the night previous, whatever might be the cause, had very evidently been re- moved. I hardly know now why l first ventured in that direction, yet skirted the low garden fence, where the night shadows were most dense, until I found myself crouching close against the latticed veranda. I stop ped then suddenly enough, perceiving the figures of three men seated just beyond evidently enjoying a quiet smoke after their evening meal. had drawn back cautiously for foot or two, intending to make off down the road, when a peculiar deep voice gave utterance to q question, which as instantly stopped me with eagerly beating heart.