Why, by the time Sam was fourteen years old we
quit splittin' old boards with an axe or a hatchet. We jest let Sam set
on a log an' we split 'em over his head. Everybody was suited. Sam
could make himself pow'ful useful without havin' to work."
Nevertheless, the lantern bearer gave his brother the tenderest care,
and watched him until he and the men on either side of him were lost in
the darkness as they walked toward the Southern camp.
"I jest had to come an' find old Sam, dead or alive," he said. "Now,
which way, Yank, do you think this friend of yours is layin'?"
"But you're comin' with us," repeated Jim.
"No, I'm not. Didn't Yank here help us find Sam? An' are we to let the
Yanks give us lessons in manners? I reckon not. 'Sides, he's only a boy,
an' I'm goin' to see him through."
"I thank you," said Dick, much moved.
"Don't thank me too much, 'cause while I'm walkin' 'roun' with you
friendly like to-night I may shoot you to-morrow."
"I thank you, all the same," said Dick, his gratitude in nowise
diminished.
"Them that will stir no more are layin' mighty thick 'roun' here, but we
ought to find your friend pretty soon.
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