"I think not, sir! They are not so cruel as that," added Somers, who desired to remove such a reproach from the mind of the old man. "Perhaps they would not willingly starve their prisoners; but I don't see how they could avoid it. They say that the people of the North are suffering terribly for the want of food. In New York, the laboring classes have attacked the banks and the flour-stores, urged on by hunger. There will be terrible times in the North before many months have gone by. I pity the people there, though it is their own fault. I hope God will be merciful to them, and spare them from some of the consequences of their own folly. I am thankful that you have escaped from them." "I don't think they are quite so badly off as you say," answered Somers, provoked by this view of the condition and resources of the North. "I have talked with a great many Yankee soldiers, and they say that plenty abounds in all the Northern States." "They would tell you so. They are deceived by their officers." "That's the way it is done," added the rebel sergeant, who had been listening to the conversation. "But I saw what rations these soldiers have. They live like lords." "That's the very thing which will starve all the people in the North. Their big armies will eat them out of house and home in a few months, Allan." "I think not, Mr. Raynes." "A gentleman from New York, who got through the lines last week, says the grass is a foot high in some of the streets of New York. The people can't find anything to do, and are cursing their rulers for plunging them into this horrid war." "I think the gentleman from New York lied," replied Somers with a smile. "I saw the New York papers every day while I was in the Yankee lines; and they are full of advertisements, which look like business. Why, in one paper I saw four columns of 'Wants,' in which people advertised for farm-laborers, house-servants, clerks and sailors." "Ah! Allan, those papers are printed to sell in the Yankee army. I'm sure I hope they are not so badly off as has been represented. I should not want my worst enemy to suffer what they are called upon to endure. It is all their own fault; but I hope God will be merciful to them." "I think you needn't feel bad about them," added Somers, amused, but indignant at the pitiful stories which were circulated in the South to keep up the courage of the people. "Let that pass, then. Really, Allan, I am very glad to see you. You must go to the house with me. Sue will be delighted to meet you. She talks about you a great deal; and I can insure you a warm welcome." "I think I cannot stop to call now; but I will try to come over in a few days," replied Somers, embarrassed beyond measure at the idea of facing Sue and the rest of the family. "Not stop!" exclaimed Mr. Raynes, holding up his hands with surprise.