" ‘Didn’t you find that difficult?’

" ’Yes, sir; but my will was strong.  I managed to get books, now one way, now another.  I have read considerable, sir.’

“This he said with some pride.

" ‘Have you ever read Shakespeare?’

" ’In part, sir; but I never could get hold of “Hamlet.”  I have always wanted to read that play.’

“I drew him out, and was astonished at the extent of his information, and the intelligent judgment which he expressed.

" ’I wonder that, with your acquirements, you should have been content to remain in a state of slavery.’

" ‘Content!’ he repeated bitterly.  ’Do you think I have been content?  No, sir.  Twice I attempted to escape.  Each time I was caught, dragged back, and cruelly whipped.  Then I was sold to the father of these little ones.  He treated me so well, and I was getting so old, that I gave up the idea of running away.’

" ‘And where is he now?’

" ’He became a colonel in the Confederate service, and was killed at Antietam.  Yesterday my mistress died, as I have told you.’

" ‘And are you left in sole charge of these little children?’

" ‘Yes, sir.’

" ‘Have they no relatives living?’

" ’Their uncle lives in Kentucky.  I shall try to carry them there.’

" ’But you will find it hard work.  You have only to cross the river, and in our lines you will be no longer a slave.’

" ’I know it, sir.  Three of my children have got their freedom, thank God, in that way.  But I can’t leave these children.’

“I looked down at them.  They were beautiful children.  The youngest was a girl, with small features, dark hair, and black eyes.  The boy, of six, was pale and composed, and uttered no murmur.  Both clung confidently to the old negro.

“I could not help admiring the old man, who could resist the prospect of freedom, though he had coveted it all his life, in order to remain loyal to his trust.  I felt desirous of drawing him out on the subject of the war.

" ‘What do you think of this war?’ I asked.

“He lifted up his hand, and in a tone of solemnity, said, ’I think it is the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, that’s going to draw us out of our bondage into the Promised Land.’

“I was struck by his answer.

" ’Do many of you—­I mean of those who have not enjoyed your advantages of education—­think so?’

" ’Yes, sir; we think it is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes.  It’s a time of trial and of tribulation; but it isn’t a-going to last.  The children of Israel were forty years in the wilderness, and so it may be with us.  The day of deliverance will come.’

“At this moment the little girl began again to cry, and he addressed himself to soothe her.

“This was not the only group I encountered.  Some women had come, down to the river with children half-bereft of their senses—­some apparently supposing that we should rob or murder them.  The rebel leaders and newspapers have so persistently reiterated these assertions, that they have come to believe them.