"I hope for a rescue!" replied the maiden.
"You are of a hopeful nature, my sweet girl, and I thank you for your words of encouragement. Thank! That is a poor word, Alibamo, for kindness such as yours. You have watched with me constantly, and, like a bright angel, have ministered to my wants. Your presence has cheered me in my sad hours, when pain and suffering had unmanned me. And I love you, Alibamo, almost as much as I love my own darling sister."
"Your sister!" repeated Alibamo, with evident pain. "Yes—I know you love her, for you have often spoken of her in your delirium."
"Have you received any word from our friends?"
"Not one word since that mysterious hand extended to me those words of hope the first night after your capture."
"Nettleton," said Hayward, addressing his attendant, "have you heard me spoken of among the soldiers?"
"Yes, captain, the darn skunks talk about you considerable."
"'What do they say?"
"Why, I heerd some on em say it was a darn shame that a bold feller like you should be——"