“'Afore God, is dat you, Massa Lyon? Jes' get off yo' hoss an' wait rite heah; I be back in a bit.' “She hobbled in, evidently to speak to the Colonel. I waited quietly until she returned. Just then the others came in sight, and I sent the boy to halt them. Aunty came out so excited that she could hardly speak. “'Sho' as you is born'd, dat Massa Tom knows you; but, sah, he's powerful weak, an' you must exclose who yo' is to him in a most delicacious manner, or you'll incite him. He's 'fraid, sah, dat you is a exposter.' “'O, no, aunty, I am his uncle and benefactor.' “'Yo'is what?' “'His uncle,' “'No, but de oder t'ing what you is?' “'His benefactor.' “'Glory to God! Is you? May de Laud shine his light in dis pore house, an' brush away de fears ob dis misfortunate famly.' “Then she called Ham. “'Oh, yo' Ham, come heah.' “I entered the cabin and beheld Col. Anderson, as pale as death, lying on a poor, broken-down bed. I knelt by his side upon the floor and wept aloud. The Colonel could only whisper. Extending his hand, while the great tears were rolling down his face, he asked: “'Is my wife with you? How is my child?' “He was greatly excited and very weak. I arose from his bedside and told him who were coming, and begged him to be calm. Aunty brought some cloths and laid on his breast, saying to him: “'Now, Massa Tom, you mus' be still. Don' be like I tole you. You mussent get 'cited now--nuffln of the kine. Jes' see de folks like yo' allers done. Dey's come a mighty long ways to fine yo'. Wish dey stay away 'til I cure yo'; but spose it's all rite. De good Laud he done knowed de bes'. Maybe de “Sesh” come take him some day afore long, so de Laud he knows what he wants. Bress de good Laud.' “'I went out to meet the others. Mary at once asked me what the matter was. I spoke as gently as I could, and said: “'Mary, Tom is still alive.'