Perkins was summoned, acquainted with the policy—­just to his mind—­ resolved upon, told to pick out the detail for hospital duty and to have the rest ready for work after an early dinner.

“Go right straight ahead, Perkins,” added Whately, “and let me know if one of these Yankee-made freemen so much as growls.”

Dr. Borden was not the kind of man to take upon himself undue responsibility.  He had therefore mentioned to Surgeon Ackley Miss Baron’s wish to give Yarry a special burial by the run and that she expected to be present.

Ackley good-naturedly acquiesced, saying, “I suppose there can be no objection to burying the man in a place of Miss Baron’s selection, instead of the one designated by Mr. Baron.  It’s but a small concession to her who is so kindly bent on making herself useful.  Let her have her own way in the whole affair.”

The spirit of Yarry’s turbulent career seemed destined to break out afresh over his final disposition.  Uncle Lusthah went to the quarters in order to obtain the aid of two or three stout hands in digging the grave.  It so happened that his visit took place during the adoption of Mr. Baron’s policy in dealing with his property and just before Perkins received his instructions.  The negroes not engaged in labor relating to the hospital gathered around Uncle Lusthah in the hope of receiving some advice from Miss Lou.  Mournfully the old man told them what she and Aun’ Jinkey had said, adding, “I doan see no oder way fer us des at dis time ob our triberlation.  Ole Pharo sut’ny got he grip on us agin, he sut’ny hab fer a spell.  But brudren en sistas, hit ony lak a cloud comin’ ‘cross de risin’ sun.  Let us des wait pashently de times en seasons ob de Lawd who alone kin brung de true ’liverance.”

When he saw the deep, angry spirit of protest he threw up his hands, crying, “Wat de use?  I warn you; I ’treat you, be keerful.  Wat could us do wid our bar han’s agin armed men?  I tells you we mus’ wait or die lak Moses ‘fo’ we enter de promis lan’.”  Then he told them about Yarry and asked for two or three to volunteer to dig the grave.

A score stepped forward and nearly all expressed their purpose to attend the funeral.  The old man persuaded all but three to remain near the quarters at present, saying, “So many gwine wid me mout mek trouble, fer Perkins look ugly dis mawnin’.”

“We ugly too,” muttered more than one voice, but they yielded to Uncle Lusthah’s caution.

In going to the run Uncle Lusthah and his assistants had to pass somewhat near the house, and so were intercepted by Perkins and Whately, both eager to employ at once the tactics resolved upon.

“Where the devil are you goin’ with those men and shovels?” shouted Perkins.

“We gwine ter dig a grabe fer a Linkum soger down by de run,” replied Uncle Lusthah quietly.  “That ain’t the place ter plant the Yanks, you old fool.  Go back to the quarters.  No words.  Leftenant Whately will detail the hands fer sech work.  Back with you.  Why in-don’t you mind?”