But to her surprise she heard her father say: "Thank heaven! That may
influence Anderson to hold the fort until help arrives," and his arm was
about his little daughter, and she looked up through her tears to hear
him say:
"The news you carried to the fort is just what they wanted to know. And
it may help to save the Union. It is worth while for us all to face
personal danger if it proves that you were of service."
Sylvia did not quite understand why Uncle Peter's news should be so
important, but her father explained to her that Major Anderson would now
feel sure of help, and that his men would have courage to bear hardship
and hunger if need be until the ships arrived.
"And you forgive me for going?" Sylvia pleaded.
"My dear child! I am glad and proud that you could carry such a message
to brave soldiers," her father replied, "but do not mention it to
anyone. I must hasten my arrangements to leave Charleston. General
Beauregard may fire upon Fort Sumter at any day, and I am of no use
here."
Sylvia drew a long breath of relief. That her father should really
praise her for what she had feared might prove a very serious mistake
made the little girl happy although it did not change her resolve never
again to make adventurous plans without the approval of her mother or
father. She realized that, although she had carried a valuable message,
she had also endangered her father's safety if her visit to the fort was
discovered, as every southerner would believe that Mr.
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