“And they made out they came across the place accidentally like. I believe Jeb, a brother of Julius, told the Yankees where we had buried the box with the hams and flour, for he hasn't been seen on the plantation since.” “I am really sorry for you, ladies. I will speak to Gen. Meade, and I am sure he will direct the commissary to supply you with something to eat.” “I think we can hold out for another day,” said the mother. “My husband was in Longstreet's corps, and he said when he galloped by here the other day that the Confederacy was played out, and that if something providential did not turn up on the side of Lee's army they would all be gobbled up inside of ten days. His last words were: 'If you can save me a dish of meat of some kind till I get home, do it; it may save my life.'” “And we're doing our best for papa.” “Yes, we are. When the last Yankees marched by on the way to the surrender, we found we had one goose left--” “Yes; and we've got the goose yet, down in the cellar--” “Now, Miss Emma, you have told a Yankee about the goose, and papa's chances for dinner when he comes home are mighty slim.” “Dear sir, you will spare us?” “Mr. Yankee, let us keep our goose?” “I know you didn't mean to rob us!” “The goose is safe, ladies. Cook your goose for the family reunion, for I assure you that there isn't a man in the Federal army mean enough to steal a goose under such circumstances, especially now that the war is over.” “I feel relieved.” “Oh! so much.” “How kind you are.” “The Yankees are not so black as our papers have painted them. I'm so rejoiced to know that we can save the goose.” Just then Julius came bounding around the corner of the house. His hair fairly stood on end, and his eyes seemed starting from their sockets. “Miss Julia! Miss Julia! Miss Julia!” “What is it, Julius?” “O, Miss Julia! Miss Julia!” “Speak, you idiot!” “De goose, Miss Julia, de goose! See dar, see dar! Look, dat Yankee gwine ober de fence yonder wid de goose you's a-keepin' for Massa Colonel Bob!” Sure enough, Julius was right. While the ladies had been entertaining me on the piazza a straggling cavalryman had entered the yard. He had filled his canteen at the spring house. Then he interviewed Julius. Next he slipped into the cellar and raised a tub that was bottom-side up on the cellar bottom. Under the tub he found the goose, which he seized by the neck. In a few seconds he had jumped over the fence to where his horse was standing, and without paying any attention to my shouts for him to “stop or drop that goose,” the blue-coated robber put spurs to his steed and disappeared down the road. The goose was gone. Col. Bob's dinner was spoiled so far as that goose was concerned. “Ladies--” “Don't speak to me.” “Nor me.” “Nor me.” “Nor me.” “But I assure you--” “Yes, you assured us a few minutes ago.” “I had misgivings all the time that Miss Emma would tell about the goose.”