Mysterious voices. — "I reckon dey's Yankees." — "Who comes there?" — The Lady of the Manor. — A weird spectacle. — The struggle through the swamp. — A reflection on Southern swamps in general. — "Tired nature's sweet restorer"[221]
CHAPTER XXI.
LOYALTY OF THE NEGROES.
Startled by hounds. — An unpleasant predicament. — A Christian gentlewoman. — Appeal to Mrs. Colonel Taylor. — "She did all she could." — A meal fit for the gods. — Aunt Katy. — "Lor' bress ye, marsters!" — Uncle Zeb's prayer. — Hoe-cake and pinders. — Woodcraft versus astronomy. — Canine foes. — Characteristics of the slave. — Meeting escaped prisoners. — Danger. — Retreat and concealment[228]
CHAPTER XXII.
PROGRESS OF THE FUGITIVES.
Parting company. — Thirst and no water. — Hoping for the end. — The boy and the chicken. — Conversation of ladies overheard. — The fugitives pursued. — The sleeping village. — Captain Bryant. — The alba sus. — Justifiable murder, and a delicious meal. — Darkies and their prayers. — Man proposes; God disposes. — An adventure. — A ruse de guerre. — Across the Savannah[238]
CHAPTER XXIII.
THE PERILS OF AN ESCAPE.
Alligators. — A detachment of Southern chivalry. — A scare. — Repairs neatly executed. — Misery and despair. — Virtue its own reward. — Hunger and desperation. — Audacity. — A Confederate officer. — "A good Union man." — "Two sights and a jambye." — A narrow escape[249]
CHAPTER XXIV.
RECAPTURED BY A CONFEDERATE OUTPOST.
Fugitive slaves. — A rebel planter. — The big Ebenezer. — A sound of oars. — A ruse de guerre. — Burial of a dead soldier. — A free ride. — Groping in the dark. — "Who goes there!" — Recaptured. — Nil desperandum. — James Brooks. — Contraband of war. — Confederate murders. — In the saddle again. — A dash for freedom. — Again captured. — Tried as a spy[261]