“Thank the Lord, where the old flag yet floats—in Louisville. He will stay there until that rag comes down,” and she pointed to the Confederate flag floating over the courthouse.
“Poor girl, never to see her father again,” exclaimed Calhoun, in tones of compassion.
“What do you mean?” she asked, turning pale. A sudden fear had come over her; had anything befallen her father?
Calhoun saw her mistake. Laughing, he said, “I only meant that flag would never come down.”
“Is that all?” she replied, saucily; “you all will be scurrying south like so many rabbits in less than a week.”
“Give us ten days.”
“No, not an hour more than a week. And mind, if you get caught, you needn’t call on me for help.”
“Well, Jennie, don’t let’s quarrel. Perhaps I can return the favor you did me, by helping you some day.”
The opportunity came sooner than he expected. The next day Jennie ventured out to visit a sick friend. On her return she had to pass a couple of Confederate officers, one of whom was intoxicated. The other appeared to be reasoning with him, and trying to get him to go to his quarters.
As Jennie was hurrying past them, the one who was intoxicated staggered toward her, and leering [pg 134]at her, exclaimed, “How—how do, pretty one? Give me a—a kiss!”