“It is strange, Jack—but I do distinctly; an' our home in the cave, an' the beautiful room we had, an' the rock portico overlaid with wild honeysuckle and Jackson vines overlooking the grand river.”
“Jack, do you know we must go there this week and see it again? I have plans to carry out before making my identity known.”
An hour afterwards the old servants heard Captain Tom step out into the yard. It was then past midnight—the most memorable night of all their lives. Neither of the old servants could sleep, for hearing Ephraim talk, and that lusty darkey had sadly mixed his imagination and his facts.
The old man went out: “Don't be uneasy,” said Captain Tom. “I am going to saddle John Paul Jones and ride over the scenes of my youth. They might see me by daylight, and the moonlight is so beautiful to-night. I long to see The Gaffs, and Westmoreland, my grandfather's grave,” and then in a tenderer tone—“and my father's; he lies buried in the flag I love.”
He smiled sadly and went out.
John Paul Jones had been comfortably housed in the little stable nearby. He nickered affectionately as his master came up and led him out.
The young officer stood a few moments looking at the splendid horse, and with the look came a flood of memories so painful that he bowed his head in the saddle.
When he looked up Jack Bracken stood by his side: “I don't much like this, Cap'n Tom. Not to-night, after all we've done to them. They've got out spies now—I know them; a lot of negroes calling themselves Union League, but secretly waylaying, burning and killing all who differ with them in politics. They've made the Klu-Klux a necessity. Now, I don't want you to turn me into a Klu-Klux to-night.”
“Ah, they would not harm me, Jack, not me, after all I have suffered. It has all been so hazy,” he went on, as if trying to recall it all, “so hazy until now. Now, how clear it all is! Here is the creek, yonder the mountain, and over beyond that the village. And yonder is Westmoreland. I remember it all—so distinctly. And after Franklin, my God, it was so hazy, with something pressing me down as if I were under a house which had fallen on me and pinned me to the ground. But now, O God, I thank Thee that I am a man again!”