Pete (points across river). Ober dere. Powerful hard time I'se had too, massa. I'se runned away.
Col. Why did you come here?
Pete. Ole massa, he sold my brudder, an' I jest feared he'd make me gwine too. An' I knowed der Union men was heaps good to de poor niggers, an' I tought p'raps yer might tell me whar my mammy is.
Col. No, Pete, my boy, I don't know where your mammy is. (Puts hand on Pete's shoulder.) What are you going to do?
Pete (scratching head). Dunno! (Thinks a moment, then looks brightly into Colonel's face.) 'Specs I should jes lub to stay wid you.
Col. (seating himself on stool, outside tent). Stay with me? What could you do?
Pete. I can brack yer boots, massa. An' oh, massa Colonel, I do so lub a horse! Let me take care ob yours. I can handle 'em, massa, if dey be eber so debblesome. Please jes try me; an' I do eberyting yer axes me, sho's yer born.
Col. I havn't a horse, Pete; but you look like a pretty good boy. I think I can trust you. Yes, I will give you a trial.
Pete. Yer really means it? (Colonel nods assent.) Ki-yi! (Turns somersaults.)
Col. Ha, ha! I'll make you my bodyguard.