An angry curse rose to the lips of Robert, but he repressed it and muttered to himself, “Graceless scamp, he ought to have his neck stretched.”  Then turning to Tom, said:—­

“Get her, if you possibly can, but you must be mighty mum about it.”

“Trus’ me for dat,” said Tom.

Tom was very anxious to get word to the beautiful but intractable girl who was held in durance vile by her reckless and selfish master, who had tried in vain to drag her down to his own low level of sin and shame.  But all Tom’s efforts were in vain.  Finally he applied to the Commander of the post, who immediately gave orders for her release.  The next day Tom had the satisfaction of knowing that Iola Leroy had been taken as a trembling dove from the gory vulture’s nest and given a place of security.  She was taken immediately to the General’s headquarters.  The General was much impressed by her modest demeanor, and surprised to see the refinement and beauty she possessed.  Could it be possible that this young and beautiful girl had been a chattel, with no power to protect herself from the highest insults that lawless brutality could inflict upon innocent and defenseless womanhood?  Could he ever again glory in his American citizenship, when any white man, no matter how coarse, cruel, or brutal, could buy or sell her for the basest purposes?  Was it not true that the cause of a hapless people had become entangled with the lightnings of heaven, and dragged down retribution upon the land?

The field hospital was needing gentle, womanly ministrations, and Iola Leroy, released from the hands of her tormentors, was given a place as nurse; a position to which she adapted herself with a deep sense of relief.  Tom was doubly gratified at the success of his endeavors, which had resulted in the rescue of the beautiful young girl and the discomfiture of his young master who, in the words of Tom, “was mad enough to bite his head off” (a rather difficult physical feat).

Iola, freed from her master’s clutches, applied herself readily to her appointed tasks.  The beautiful, girlish face was full of tender earnestness.  The fresh, young voice was strangely sympathetic, as if some great sorrow had bound her heart in loving compassion to every sufferer who needed her gentle ministrations.

Tom Anderson was a man of herculean strength and remarkable courage.  But, on account of physical defects, instead of enlisting as a soldier, he was forced to remain a servant, although he felt as if every nerve in his right arm was tingling to strike a blow for freedom.  He was well versed in the lay of the country, having often driven his master’s cotton to market when he was a field hand.  After he became a coachman, he had become acquainted with the different roads and localities of the country.  Besides, he had often accompanied his young masters on their hunting and fishing expeditions.  Although he could not fight in the army, he proved an invaluable helper.