"I was thinking of your sister?"
"I wish I could cease thinking of her, now that death is staring me in the face. I do not fear to die, but I do fear to let her know that she no longer has a brother. O Alibamo! if you could see her once, you would not wonder that I love her! Why, she would hang upon my neck, and listen to each word, as if her life depended on her hearing every sound. And when I parted with her for the wars, it seemed as if her soul left with me. She did not weep, but clung to me, while her little form trembled like the lily torn by the tempest's blast. And her last words were, 'Heaven must return to me my brother!'"
"And if earth should not, heaven will!" sobbed Alibamo.
"Well, I will talk no more of death. The grave looks cold and cheerless, and I shudder as I approach it in this manner. Nettleton, I shall give you some instructions which I know you will see faithfully carried out!"
"You may depend upon it, captain. But you ain't dead yet, and—"
"Major-General Sterling Price," was announced by an orderly.
Price entered the tent.
"Good evening, Captain Hayward. I am glad to see you so far recovered. I trust you will soon be able to receive and wear your sword again!" These words were spoken by Price in a tone of extreme kindness. Hayward looked up surprised, and replied:
"I do not comprehend you, general!"
"That is because you deem me your enemy!"