“‘Imp understands everything one says to him, but he can’t talk; however, his eyes tell you what he wishes to say! Now, if any stranger should raid the stables and spy Imp, they would certainly try to steal him first, for he is the finest thoroughbred that ever stepped over Tennessee soil! But, he will bite, and kick, and bolt with anyone who dares to trifle with him. Then do you know what will happen? They’ll either put a bullet through his heart, or hitch him to an army ambulance, which will break his heart just the same.’
“Rebecca walked along in silence after that, until we reached a stile that divided the house lands from the pastures.
“‘Selina, there’s only one thing to do—take him away and hide him until this war is over. From what I gather from the servants about the place, this plantation is in a straight line for Nashville, the point the Yankees are making for. So, the sooner Imp is hidden the better!’
“‘Becky,’ asked I, in alarm, ‘will these slaves desert or sell you out to the Yankees?’
“‘Mercy, no, Selina! They are like children to us. It may be that one or two would like the novelty of going North, but they would soon be squelched if it was found out. Why, father and mother treat their old slaves like their family—asking advice of Tim, or Martha the housekeeper, as the case might be. As for our old mammy—and the cook—gracious, Selina! I’d die for either one of them, and so would any one of us, and they know it. They’d stick to us even if we lost this war—which we won’t!’ cried Rebecca.
“I felt somewhat piqued, but said nothing, for I was a guest of Rebecca’s. She sensed that she had said something difficult to forget, and hugged me laughingly.
“‘You wouldn’t give a fig for a friend that could hope anything but success for her country, would you?’ she asked.
“I made no reply, and she continued in a low voice.
“‘Selina, I’m going to take you into a secret that no one but Tim and father knows about. Father hasn’t an idea that I know about it, and Tim won’t tell him that I know. I found it myself years ago, and I always go there when I want to be all alone. I have driven Imp right through and he knows the cave and has no fear of the water, now.’
“I listened in surprise to the words but knew nothing of what she meant.