"I can never forget your kindness, sir; once on land, no matter how far from the Queen City, I know I can find my way there. I feel assured my husband is there, if living, and thither I shall go at once."
"Not alone?"
"Oh, yes; alone, if necessary."
"Don't you fear the scouts and straggling soldiers that so infest the land?"
"I fear nothing, captain. I am in search of my husband, and I shall seek him, though I perish in the effort."
"Well, madam, I shall intrust you to the care of Uncle Jack Marner, and go away again knowing that you will be well cared for. There's the old man, and Scipio, at work with the hands unloading. I'll take you to his hut."
Leah thanked him kindly, and taking her child in his arms, the captain led the way to the humble home of Uncle Jack, and introduced Leah to his wife.
Without delay the Cotton States unloaded; loaded again; and was soon once more out at sea in safety.
"It's a mighty weakly lookin' child, madam," said kind Uncle Jack, when he returned to the hut, after the work on the ship was ended. "Is the little creetur sick?"
"No; but she is not very strong, Uncle Jack," was Leah's reply.