"Transports," cried Jeanne eagerly. "I wonder--where is Snowball?'" "Hyar, missy," cried the girl, running forward. "Oh, missy, Massa Linkum's men done say we all's free. Dat Fader Abe done set us niggas free way long las' Jan'wry." "It may be so," cried Jeanne delightedly. "I don't know, but come and let us see if the transport that your mother is on is down there." With a howl of delight Snowball went scampering down the hill toward the boats, Jeanne following after her. The Gem City lay at anchor close to the shore. Captain Leathers was dealing out supplies to the starving people that surrounded the boat. "Captain Leathers," cried Jeanne breathlessly as they reached his side. "Why, bless my heart, if it isn't my little friend," cried the Captain in surprise. "What are you doing here? Yes; Tenny's right there on deck." "I'll tell you all about it just as soon as I see Tenny," said Jeanne smiling at him brightly. "Come, Snowball." She ran quickly to where old Tenny stood. "Tenny," she cried, "look here!" The old woman turned and catching sight of Snowball gave a shriek of joy. "It's my babby," she screamed. "Kum hyar ter yer mammy, yer bressed chile! Kum dis bery minnit!" Laughing and crying she caught the girl to her capacious bosom. "It's the lill' missy dat bringed me," cried Snowball. "Oh, mammy, dey says we's free!" "'Course we is, honey chile. Whar you been dat you didn't know dat? Massa Linkum done say dat long ago. Whar you been?" "Hyar in Vicksburg. Whar you bin, mammy?" "Eberywhar, chile. Ef I hadn't er cooked fer de sojers dey couldn't a tuk de city. Cap'n Leathers say so. But hyar we is. Not mindin' our manners an' a thankin' de lill' missy fer brungin' yer ter me." But with the first word of thanks Jeanne darted away. She stopped for a moment to talk to the Captain and explain her presence in the city, and then went back to the cave where Dick awaited her. "Come," said the boy. "General Grant is expected in the city soon. The Confederates are coming from the camp to be registered and paroled." "When can we go home, Dick?" asked the girl as they passed into the streets again. "Any time now, Jeanne. I want to see the General about sending a message to father. How quiet it seems after the bombardment! Restful, isn't it?" "It's heavenly," sighed Jeanne contentedly. "I am so happy, Dick, and the silence enfolds me like a garment. To think that I will really see father and mother once more! It has been a year lacking a few days since I saw them. How little I thought that so much would happen before I should see them again. How anxious they must be! But now! a few more days and I shall be with them." "There comes General Grant," said Dick suddenly.