The boy blushed, but said nothing.
When he was relieved from his post he went to his room. As soon as he entered he saw Billy's ashy face, with his eyes nearly popping out of his head, emerging from under the bed, while Rattler gave a yelp of delight.
"Lord a'mighty, Marse George, I never tho't to see you ag'in!" exclaimed Billy, fervently. "All de time dem balls was poppin' me an' Rattler was thinkin' bout you, an when I hear one big gun a-gwine off I jest holler out loud, 'Marse George done daid—I know he done daid!'"
"I might have been dead a good many times for any help I had from you, you lazy scamp," responded George, severely, at which Billy burst into tears, and wailed until "Marse George" condescended to be mollified.
[to be continued.]
[THE AMERICAN NIGHTS' ENTERTAINMENTS.]
THE PICNIC.—BY EMMA J. GRAY.
Mariette's eyes looked rather red, as though she had been crying, and then came the words. "A dreadful thing has happened!"