"I am going to Roanoke Island! I am going to my child in the hospital!"
That very day she set out. Alone she went, but she was not long without a companion. On the boat to Fortress Monroe she saw a solitary and disconsolate young woman, whose face she was confident of having seen somewhere before. She accosted her, found her going the same journey with herself, and on a similar errand, and learned her history.
"My husband, that I was married to at the cars just as his regiment was leaving Boston, has been shot at Roanoke Island, and whether he is alive or dead I do not know."
"Your husband," said Mrs. Manly,—"my son knows him well. They were close friends!"
And from that moment the mother of Frank and the wife of Atwater were close friends also, supporting and consoling each other on the journey.
A FRIEND IN NEED.
At Roanoke Island, a certain tall, lank, athletic private had been detailed for fatigue duty at the landing, when the steamer from the inlet arrived.
Being at leisure, he was watching with an expression of drollery and inquisitiveness for somebody to tell him the news, when he saw two bewildered, anxious women come ashore, and look about them, as if waiting for assistance.
Prompted by his naturally accommodating disposition, and no less by honest curiosity, the soldier stepped up to them.