"There was something about a boat. It was found ashore a few miles down the river, and there was a report from Chattanooga that the boat had been taken. I didn't wait to hear it all. Oh, I wish Joe and Sam would hurry! You must get started before they leave. Men are going out in all directions, and Kirby is taking the road to Wartrace. If you're ahead of him they'll never catch you. Star can run like the wind."
"Star?"
"My horse," she explained. "He's a beautiful horse…. Oh, I wish they'd hurry." There was anguish in her voice.
"They'll come just as fast as they can," replied Tom calmly. "Why don't you go back to the house now!"
"I can't until you're on the road."
"Why not? Please go back now."
"I-I'll have to wait until the men have gone. I wouldn't dare to go back until then. Then, too…." She faltered and stopped.
"What?"
"You can't leave by the main road. I'm going to show you the way through the woods. Then there's a fence to jump. I'm going to take Star over it."
It was useless to protest, for she became calm again and determined. "I want to do it," she said. "You've come to me for help, and it's my right to help you all I can. And remember, I'll always be proud of it. Oh, so proud!" She slipped her hand into his and they sat there quietly, straining to catch the first sounds of the negroes returning.