“I tole you no good wud cum outen dat man's comin' round here,” she said to old Dan.
“I doant know why not,” he said. “Wat you got agin him?”
“He ain't our sort,” she said, contemptuously. “Nordern men am diffunt from Soudern—doan yo' sense it?”
“Dat's not for me to explaticate. But who was it gib'd us our freedom but dem same Nordern men; and isn't it worf sumfing to own yo'self? Dat's wat de Nordern 'trash,' as you call 'em, has done for you and me.”
“I neber could talk wif you, old man, for youse always on de contrary side,” and she left the partner of her joys and sorrows with what was intended for a very lofty step.
“De old gal doant like my plain speaking,” Dan chuckled. “But Ise on de right side always.”
Next morning dawned brightly. As the birds sang their welcome to early day, a young girl left the house and walked rapidly toward the camp, a quarter of a mile distant. No one would have recognized the elegant Helen in her disguise. She wore a calico dress, much faded and too large for her, pinned in folds about her form. A sunbonnet hid her lovely face, and an old black cape completed the outfit. She carried a basket of fruit, and to all appearances was a country lassie seeking a market for her goods.
No challenge was given her. The customary “Halt!” was replaced by a gracious smile from the guard, and permission was given her to enter.
“I want to see the General who has charge here,” she said. A broad smile was on the soldier's face. “The General is out on business just now, Miss. Indeed, I haven't seen him for some time. Won't the Lieutenant do as well?”
The haughty look she gave him brought the flippant fellow to his senses.