12. The farmers of the south were very angry when they heard this, and
said that they would not free their slaves. Then a fierce war broke out.
The North beat the South, and when the war came to an end all the slaves
in America were set free.

13. The blacks still work in the cotton and sugar and tobacco fields;
but they now work for wages, just as I do. They are free to come and go
as they please.

[Illustration: {Five black children}]

14. The darkies are very merry and full of fun. When their work is over
they love to sing and dance to the music of the banjo. Some of their
songs are very pretty. I will sing some of them to you when I come home.
Good-bye, dears. I shall soon be with you now.--Your loving FATHER.

* * * * *

29. HOME AGAIN.


1. The telegram came soon after breakfast. Father was coming home that
very day. We were so delighted that we sang and danced and clapped our
hands, just like the darkies.

2. Mother was very busy. "You must all come and help me," she said. "The
house must be made beautiful for father's return."

3. May and I worked with mother, but the day passed very slowly.
Father's train was to arrive at six o'clock. By half-past five we were