"Final."
The messenger slipped close to Lee and spoke hurriedly.
"I came by special train, sir—an engine and coach. They wait you on
a siding just outside of town. We're afraid the line may be cut. The
Northern troops are bivouacing on the Capitol hill. They may stop us.
We've no time to lose. I hope you can come at once."
The messenger walked quickly through the door and seized his horse's reins.
Lee turned to Blair.
"Troops are on the Capitol Hill?"
"A regiment of Pennsylvanians has just arrived, I believe."
Sam had edged through the door and stood smiling at his old master. The
Colonel had not seen him to this moment.
"You here, Sam?" he said with feeling.
"Yassah. I come home ter stan' by you, Marse Robert."