United States -- History -- Civil War, 1861-1865 -- Fiction
"'Will you come with me, my Phillis dear,
To yon blue mountain free,
Where the blossoms smell the sweetest,
Come rove along with me.
It's every Sunday morning,
When I am by your side,
We'll jump into the wagon,
And all take a ride.'"
Bob watched the young fellow as Jeanne's voice floated out upon the night
air. The boy, he was scarcely more than that, raised himself to a sitting
posture instantly, a blank look of amazement upon his face.
"Miss Bob," came from the guard, "it's against orders for either you or
the 'Little Yank' to be about the prisoners. I'm mighty sorry, but you'll
have to go."
"Johnson," said Bob coaxingly, "haven't I always been good to you?"
"Yes, Miss Bob."
"Who looked after you when you were wounded, and cooked for you, and wrote
your letters to your wife?"
"Miss Bob, for goodness sake don't tell me any of those things now. The
Colonel's away, and there are just a few of us left to guard the prisoners
and the camp. 'Tain't right, Miss Bob."
"You said that there was nothing that you would not do for me," went on
Bob inexorably.
"And I meant it," said the poor fellow. "I know what you mean. I know
that's your brother. But you must not ask it of me. Please, Miss Bob."
"I'm only going to ask you to turn your back for ten minutes," said Bob.
"And his knife," whispered Jeanne tremblingly. "Get his knife, Bob."
"Turn your back for ten minutes," repeated Bob, "and lend me your knife."
"For the love of mercy, Miss Bob," pleaded Johnson, "don't ask this of
me. It means worse than death to me. It is a betrayal of trust."
"Your knife, Johnson," and Bob held out her hand. "What would your wife
think of your refusing me anything?"
"Take it," said the man with the resignation of despair. "The Colonel will
have me shot like a dog, but take it. I cannot refuse."
He handed her the knife and then turned his back full upon the prisoners.
"Quick," whispered Jeanne. "Cut your brother's bonds first, and then let
me have the knife."
She ran to her brother's side as she spoke and threw her arms about him.
"Dick, Dick," she said kissing him repeatedly. "I am going to cut the
cords that bind you. Then you must run for your life."
"Jeanne," came the amazed voice of the lad, "how in the name of all that's
wonderful, did you come here?"
"I am well and happy," cried Jeanne hurriedly. "I cannot tell you more
now, but I am going home soon. Don't mind about me. Bob, hurry, hurry,
before Johnson turns."
"There!" said Bob flinging her the knife. Rising to her feet triumphantly
she called to her friend. "Be quick, Jeanne! Johnson is looking at his
watch."
"Run, boys," panted Jeanne as the keen edge of the blade severed the cord
that bound her brother's feet. "If you value your lives, run like the
wind."
Frank Peyton needed no second bidding. He was off but Dick Vance hesitated
as he glanced at his sister.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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