"Thus she briefly told me her story. I asked her if she could love me yet, and she replied she could. I pointed to a certain rock, and told her that, as soon as my duties would permit, I would meet her there. Of course I could not permit her to escape, and unless she would promise to remain, and become one of us, I could do nothing for her. One of the guard said she could not meet me there alone, as Branch would not allow it, but she might be permitted to walk if she chose to do so, in the evening, accompanied by the present guard. I thanked them, said I would let Alibamo know when I could come, and if they would keep the matter a secret, I would pay them well for it. I could afford to do that, as my father was rich. Believing me a rebel, they readily consented.
"Of course, you know my plans now, captain. Arrange all your affairs, and then communicate with Alibamo for me. Tell her to meet me at eleven o'clock at the place appointed. There will be a guard of twelve, captain. What say you?"
"We will rescue her!"
"Can we do it?"
"Nettleton alone could do it! Why do you ask, can we?"
"It is an individual hazard!"
"Your cause is ours, Harry. But come, it is time to continue our journey. It will be daylight before we reach our destination."
As they approached the spot where the horses were tied, they saw the negro standing erect, and Nettleton giving him advice which was as follows:
"Now look a here, 'Swasey's nigger,' you are a mean feller any how, and ain't much account no way. But, don't go and make a sneak of yourself by being such a milksop of a coward. Cos why? You see, I hit you on the head, and I thought you was killed. I didn't care much, no way, kase you're such a mean soldier, any way. But just behave yourself, and don't be a sneak any more, and I'll let ye live; but if you show the white feather, as captain calls it, you will find out that the captain's body-guard don't have any turn-tails about him; no, sir, Mr. Darkey!"