“Who told you that?” demanded Val Tracy, suddenly turning on the boy.
“Nobody don’t tol’ us, Cap’n Tracy, we jes’ knows it, that’s all.” The boy looked up with a bland smile on his face that was wholly free from the slightest trace of guile.
“The grapevine telegraph again,” Tracy murmured under his breath, shaking his head in deep perplexity.
CHAPTER XXIII
SECRETS
Mrs. May dismissed Sam almost immediately, saying a word of her appreciation, but also insisting that his proposal was out of the question.
“Whatever happens, Sam,” she told him, “your home will be here. If you get your freedom, then you can stay or go as you like; but we shall always be glad to have our people stay. Now go back to your work and say no more about being sold.”
The moment the boy was gone April turned to Tracy.
“Val,” she demanded, her face white and drawn, “can it be possible that Lee has surrendered?”
“Yes,” he answered reluctantly. “It is possible. We had word of a battle at Five Forks and, if we’ve lost it, I don’t see what else General Lee could do. I’m afraid Sam’s news is true, but we shall know for certain very shortly.”