"Well, Steve," said Abner, "we shall have some work to do to-day."
"I should be surprised, colonel, if we don't," was the reply.
"Do you think those fellows over there will fight?"
"I think they will, their guns shine bright enough, and they look dangerous. I went over there this morning before daylight, and I can tell you, it will be nasty getting into that town."
"You over there, Steve? What do you mean?"
"I often go over to the rebel camp," said Steve, coolly.
"Do you know that is very dangerous?"
"I do not value my life very highly; it has not been worth a straw for eighteen years; all that ever was good within me has been crushed out by the very men who carry those bayonets over yonder. I have a feeling that my time has come and that you will know my story when the fight is over."
The long roll of the drum was heard calling to the field.
"I must be going now, Steve," said the colonel, buckling on his sword, "but I will see you when the fight is over, if I live."