to her laundress, "I'm glad you realize the importance of doing my
work when it's needed." Then followed a few brief directions in
regard to the articles she had brought. "Louise, I wish you to come
with me. This is no place for you," concluded Mrs. Baron, turning to
depart.

The girl rose and followed submissively, for she was overwhelmed by
a confused sense of danger, not merely to the Union soldier, but
also to her old mammy, who was sheltering him. The extremity of her
fears and the fact that Chunk had not come to warn them led her to
dread that her aunt's suspicions were already aroused. Chunk gave
her a very anxious look as she passed, but she only shook her head
slightly, as much as to say, "I don't know."

The negro's elation and confidence now passed utterly; he became
deeply alarmed, not only for the scout, but for himself and
grandmother as well. He was not long in coming to a decision.
Whately and his troopers were absent, and now, perhaps, was the best
time to act. After satisfying himself that he was not observed, he
slipped away to the cabin.

When Mrs. Baron finally disappeared, Aun' Jinkey sank into a chair
almost in a state of collapse. "O good Lawd!" she gasped, "I des
tremblin' so in my knee-jints I kyant stan'."

"Courage, Aunt Jinkey," said Scoville, through the chink in the
floor. "Try to get Chunk here as soon as possible."

"I des done beat. I kyant lif my han' no mo'."