“In spite of this case of apparent insensibility, the negro’s family attachments are quite as warm naturally as our own.  They have little reason, indeed, to mourn over the loss of a husband or father, since, in most cases, it is the only portal to the freedom which they covet.  The separation of families, too, tends, of course, to weaken family ties.  While I write these words I cannot help recalling our own happy home, and longing for an hour, if not more, of your society.  I am glad that you find Mr. Morton so agreeable an inmate.  You ought to feel quite indebted him for his assistance in your studies.  I am glad you have formed a boy’s company.  It is very desirable that the elements of military science should be understood even by boys, since upon them must soon devolve the defense of their country from any blows that may be directed against her, whether by foes from within or enemies from abroad.

“The coming season will be a busy one with you.  When you receive this letter it will be about time for you to begin to plow whatever land is to be planted.  As I suggested in my first letter from camp, I should like you to devote some space-perhaps half an acre-to the culture of onions.  We find them very useful for promoting health in the army.  They are quite high on account of the largely increased demand, so that it will be a good crop for financial reasons.”

(Here followed some directions with regard to the spring planting, which we omit, as not likely to interest our readers.) The letter ended thus: 

“It is nearly time for me to mail this letter, and it is already
much longer than I intended to write.  May God keep you all in
health and happiness is the fervent wish of
“Your affectionate father,
                     “Henry Frost.”

The intelligence that their father had been a prisoner made quite a sensation among the children.  Charlie declared that Mrs. Roberts was a wicked woman, and he was glad she was put in prison—­an expression of joy in which the rest fully participated.

CHAPTER XXVII.  POMP’S LIGHT INFANTRY TACTICS

Little Pomp continued to pursue his studies under Frank as a teacher.  By degrees his restlessness diminished, and, finding Frank firm in exacting a certain amount of study before he would dismiss him, he concluded that it was best to study in earnest, and so obtain the courted freedom as speedily as possible.  Frank had provided for his use a small chair, which he had himself used when at Pomp’s age, but for this the little contraband showed no great liking.  He preferred to throw himself on a rug before the open fire-place, and, curling up, not unlike a cat, began to pore over his primer.

Frank often looked up from his own studies and looked down with an amused glance at little Pomp’s coal-back face and glistening eyes riveted upon the book before him.  There was no lack of brightness or intelligence in the earnest face of his young pupil.  He seemed to be studying with all his might.  In a wonderfully short time he would uncoil himself, and, coming to his teacher, would say, “I guess I can say it, Mass’ Frank.”