“‘Reports in Nashville say that the fighting is turned toward this part of the country,’ he said.
“‘Someone has to bear the burden—perhaps the Lord has selected us to carry a share,’ returned Mrs. Crudup, reverently.
“‘The one thing that worries me is that our place is well known in this part of the country, and our fertile acres are known to produce the finest edibles. Then, too, the fact that we raise some of the best-bred horses in Tennessee may cause the Yanks to come down on us at any time and raid the stables. In that case, they will carry off everything—not even a plow-horse will be left.’
“‘Father, our boys have had all they could use for this conflict, and wouldn’t it be bettah to ship our horses to Nashville fo’ the army to use?’ asked Mrs. Crudup.
“‘I would rather see every head of cattle dead than in the hands of a Yankee!’ cried Sally Crudup, bitterly, for her sweetheart had been killed in a battle a few weeks previous.
“‘Sally, Sally! let no bittehness feed your sorrow!’ reproved the gentle mother, patting me upon the back as if in apology for her daughter’s breach of etiquette.
“Mr. and Mrs. Crudup walked away in private converse, and Becky and I started for the paddocks which I had not yet visited.
“‘Selina, I’m plannin’ a desperate deed!’ said Becky, in a whisper, as we passed down the shady lane that led to the stables and pastures.
“I looked at her in surprise, for her tone was shaky.
“‘I have not introduced you to Imp. Imp is the most valuable horse on the place and would bring a high price in Nashville. My only relief is that no one can ride him, manage, or harness him but Tim and me. When Imp was born Tim was there, and when Imp’s mother died soon after his birth, she turned her eyes on Tim and seemed to ask him to look after her baby. I got there just as she turned back her head and saw me. I took her head upon my lap and promised that I would adopt her boy, and I always felt that she knew what I said and died happier for it. From that minute, I took charge of Imp and fed him on a bottle until he could eat alone. Tim and I have had sole charge of his training, but he is surely an Imp when anyone else tries to come near him.’ Becky almost wept as she told me the story of the poor mother-mare.