"And give her my love—"
He paused for breath and fumbled in his pocket.
"I've a letter from her here—read it before you write. Our little girl had malaria. She tried willow tea and everything she could think of for the chills. The doctor said nothin' but quinine could save her. She couldn't get it, the blockade was too tight, and so our baby died—and now I'm dyin' and my poor starvin' girl will have nothin' to comfort her—but—"
He gasped and lifted himself on his elbow.
"If our folks can just quit free men, it's all right. It's all right!"
The women and children of Richmond were suffering now for food. The Thirteenth Virginia regiment sent Billy Barton into the city with a contribution for their relief.
Billy delivered it to Jennie with more than a boy's pride. There was something bigger in the quiet announcement he made.
"Here's one day's rations from the regiment, sis," he said—"all our flour, pork, bacon and meal. The boys are fasting to-day. It's their love offering to those we've left at home—"
Jennie kissed him.
"It's beautiful of you and your men, boy. Give my love to them all and tell them I'm proud to be their countrywoman—"