dismay, one of the Confederate soldiers lying on a pile of straw. A
closer scrutiny revealed that the man was drowsy from partial
intoxication, and Chunk, feeling that he was in for it now, said
boldly: "Marse Whately tole me at dinner ter tek his hoss ter de run
fer a drink en ter limber his jints 'bout dis time in de eb'nin'."

"Very well; bring 'im back safe en sud'n or I'll make you a head
shorter'n you air."

"Ob co'se, mars'r, I do ez I tol'. I des ride ole bay down, too.
Mout ez well took 'im ter water de same time."

The soldier making no response Chunk slipped away with the horses,
trembling as if in an ague fit. Nothing was left for him now but to
get away and take his chances. Fortune in this instance, as it often
does, favored the bolder course. The Confederate soldier was
familiar with Chunk, since he had been the waiter at the troopers'
mess; moreover, his faculties were confused and blunted and he was
soon asleep again. Perkins' back was turned and every one at the
mansion deeply preoccupied. Even Zany, who had been charged not to
leave the dining-room, was not on the watch.

Chunk hastened the horses down the lane toward the run, which having
reached, he looked cautiously around, then hooted in fairly
successful imitation of the ominous bird of night. Aun' Jinkey
dropped into her chair again with an ejaculation of terror.

"Look out of the door and tell me if you see any one," said
Scoville, quickly.