"I do not know that we shall ever go to the forts again," her father had
replied. "Did you not hear the bells ringing and the military music
yesterday? South Carolina has seceded from the Union. No one is allowed
to go to the forts. And unless Major Anderson takes possession of Fort
Sumter the Confederates will."
"And we are to start for Boston next week, dear child," Sylvia's mother
added.
It seemed to Sylvia that her mother was very glad at the thought of
returning to her former home. But Sylvia was not glad. What would become
of Estralla?
Mr. Waite had said that as long as Sylvia lived in his house the little
colored girl could be her maid. But if they went to Boston and left
Estralla behind Sylvia was sure that there would be nothing but trouble
for the faithful little darky.
"Why, Sylvia! What is the matter?" questioned her mother anxiously; for
Sylvia was leaning her head on the table.
"I can't go to Boston and leave Estralla!" she sobbed. "She has done
lots of brave things for me. She wouldn't leave me to be a slave."
Mr. and Mrs. Fulton looked at each other with puzzled eyes.
"But Estralla would not want to leave her mammy," suggested Mr. Fulton.
"Oh, Father! Can't Aunt Connie and Estralla go with us?" and Sylvia
lifted her head and looked hopefully at her father. "Couldn't I buy
Estralla and then make her free? I've got that gold money Grandma gave
me."
"I am afraid it wouldn't be much use for me to even try to buy a slave's
freedom now," Mr.
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