“Many would think so, I reckon,” replied Ackley laconically.  “He believes in a heaven and that he’s going there.  That’s the only queer thing I ever discovered in Waldo.  He’s worth a lot of trouble, Miss Baron.”

“It would be right strange if I did not do my best for him, sir.”

“I thought you’d feel so.  I want very strong beef soup made for a few such special cases, who can take but little at a time.  I would like him to have a few teaspoonfuls every two hours.  I am going to trust to you and Mrs. Whately chiefly to look after him in this respect.  We can do little more than help nature in his case.”

Poor Aun’ Suke was getting weary again, but she had a heart which Miss Lou speedily touched in behalf of her patient, and a special saucepan was soon bubbling over the fire.

The soup for the evening meal being ready, she began again her task of feeding the helpless soldiers, visiting, among others, Phillips, who lay in a half-stupor on the great barn-floor.  As she stepped in among the Federal wounded, she was again impressed by the prevailing quiet and by the friendly glances turned toward her on every side.  The Union surgeon in charge lifted his hat politely, while such of the men as were able took off theirs and remained uncovered.  The homage, although quiet, was so marked that she was again embarrassed, and with downcast eyes went direct to Phillips, gently roused him and gave him his supper.  While she was doing this the men around her were either silent or spoke in low tones.  The thought grew in her mind, “How these Northern soldiers have been misrepresented to me!  Even when I am approaching and before they are aware I am near, I hear no rough talk as I do among our men.  The world is so different from uncle’s idea of it!  Whether these men are right or wrong, I will never listen patiently again when they are spoken of as the scum of the earth.”

As she rose and saw the respectful attitude toward her, faltered, “I—­I—­wish to thank you for your—­your kindness to me.”

At these words there was a general smile even on the wannest and most pain-pinched face, for they struck the men as very droll.

“We were under the impression that the kindness was chiefly on your side,” said Captain Hanfield.  “Still we are glad you find us a civil lot of Indians.”

“Please remember,” she answered earnestly, “that was not my thought, but one impressed upon me by those who did not know.  Only within a very short time have I ever seen Northern people or soldiers, and they treat me with nothing but courtesy.”

“Perhaps you are to blame for that,” said the captain pleasantly.

“I can’t help feeling glad that our good opinion is becoming mutual,” she replied, smiling.  “Won’t you please put on your hats and let me come and go as a matter of course?  I don’t like to be sort of received every time I come.  I just want to help those I can help, to get well.”