_Rob._ The boys are making merry to-night around the camp-fire; but that lively air brings only sadness to me. "The girl I left behind me," two years ago, in Grainlow, Gaylie Gifford, is still silent. Not a line in reply to my frequent letters. Has she repented of her choice? No, I cannot believe that; for my sister writes me she often speaks of me, longs for my return. But yet she never writes. Perhaps she has never received mine; 'tis hardly possible, and yet her silence—Can my enemy, the colonel, be conspiring to keep us apart? He is base enough to use any means to serve his purpose. By his orders, the mail is brought here, and inspected by him, before delivery; perhaps, that he may intercept any letters for me. If I could only get a single line from her, I would be content. Oh! I am ground down worse than any slave that tills the earth beneath the overseer's lash. Two years of service, and still a private! I know I have been honorably mentioned many times by my captain; and yet poorer men step above me: and I toil on, fight on, with no hope of promotion. Well, they shall not say I have not done my duty. Will the end never come, and free me from this bondage, give me liberty to turn my steps northward, to seek the star of promise that gleams in Gaylie's eyes? Halt! Who goes there? _Crimp_ (_comes from_ L., _passes the window, and appears at door speaking_). D-d-d-on't shoot! d-d-d-on't shoot! I's only a poor old darky, Massa Sentenull. _Rob._ Your business here? _Crimp._ Pressing b-b-business; d-d-d-on't shoot! Want to see de colonel. _Rob._ The colonel is absent. _Crimp._ Den I'll walk into de parlor, take a cheer, and wait for um. D-d-d-on't shoot! _Rob._ Business. Your pass, uncle. _Crimp._ Pass: yes, massa, got a pass. Here she am! (_Searches pocket._) Golly! it am gone. No, here she am! (_Searches bosom._) Not a pass; had um, sure; hope I may die— _Rob._ What's that sticking out of your hat? _Crimp._ Golly, dat's so! (_Takes off hat, paper sticking out of crown_). Put um up dar to keep um safe. (_Hands pass._) _Rob_ (_examines paper_). The pass is right: pass in. (_Resumes march._)