Butler, is now somewhere in the Confederacy, but where, the girl
cannot tell. When her mistress left New Orleans, the Yankees would not
permit the slave to leave with her, but she succeeded in escaping from
their lines, and came to Jackson, where she was arrested, and as no
owner claimed her, she was sold to me at auction this morning
according to law."

"Then we will not be doing justice to the owner of the girl, if we
keep her constantly. Perhaps her mistress is some poor soldier's wife
who would be glad to get the money you have expended, or may require
her services."

"I have thought of that before I purchased her, but as she seems
honest, I did not make the thought prevent me from getting her. I have
also made up my mind to give her up should her owner at any time claim
her, and he is a poor man."

"I am glad you have so decided," Emily replied, "for I should not have
liked the idea of depriving any Confederate soldier of his slave,
particularly if he is a poor man. And now," she continued, speaking to
Elsy, "do you go in the next room and wait there until I come in."

Making a curtesy, Elsy left the parlor, and entered the room pointed
out by Emily.

"I have some news for you, Emily," remarked the Doctor as soon as the
negro had left the room.

"What is it about," she enquired.