"Nicodemus, the slave, was of African birth,
And he died years ago very old.
Wake me up was his plea—"
"Yas, suh," said the negro, "but it's not dis yere Nick. Dat's some oder Nick. I know milliums of darkies named Nick."
"Nick," demanded Noel abruptly, "do you know any men around here who are friends of the Union?"
"Yas, suh. I sho'ly does," replied the negro, so promptly that the young soldier at once decided that he might rely upon his friendship.
"Are any of the men at home now?"
"Yas, suh. Yas, suh. Massa Hilton, back yonder; I reckon he mought be er Union man."
"Is your master?"
"Yas, suh. Massa Hilton's brother Sam, he's fo' de South. I reckon it almost comes to blows when dey talks about de war."
"Isn't either of them in the army?"
"Yas, suh; Massa Sam Hilton, he's in de 'fed'ate a'my."