sang a low voice beside them. "Children, this is a glorious day." Mr. Huntsworth's voice was tremulous with emotion and his eyes were misty. "It is a sad spectacle to see brave men humiliated and humbled, but aside from my sympathy for the Southerners it makes my old heart beat with joy to be under the Stars and Stripes once more. Let us greet the General."
He stepped forward briskly. General Grant stopped his horse as they approached.
"We want to give you welcome, sir," said Mr. Huntsworth extending his hand. "We are Unionists released only by your successful siege from 'durance vile.' Welcome, sir, welcome!"
"You must have found our shells pretty warm," said Grant shaking his hands. "How did you live?"
"Sir," replied the old gentleman whimsically, "you made us like the Southerners' favorite bread: dodgers."
Grant smiled, and then asked. "And are these Federals too?"
"One is a soldier, the other a--what shall I call you, Jeanne? A blockade runner or what?"
"I am a Union girl," said Jeanne smiling into the gray eyes above her. "A Union girl longing for home."
"Where is your home?" asked Grant. "Suppose you three come along with me and tell me the whole story."
They did as he requested. The man of iron will heard them silently. Then he spoke.
"Get your dispatches ready," he said. "I will send them with mine to Washington and then have them forwarded. You will take your sister home of course."
"I ought to get back to my regiment as quick as I can, sir."
"Nonsense! I will write your General concerning it. If you have been in ever since the war opened it's high time you had a furlough. I will stand responsible. You shall all start to-morrow."
It was a sad leave taking for Bob and Jeanne.
"I will see you again," said Jeanne tearfully as she told Bob good-bye. "Something tells me that we will meet again. And when the war is over, Bob, we will have fine times together. Where do you go from here?"
"To Richmond," answered Bob drearily. "You're not leaving us much territory, Jeanne. We are being narrowed down. I fear, I fear----"
With a burst of tears she ran from them and it was many a long day before Jeanne saw her again. With saddened hearts they left the city of terraces behind them, and at last Jeanne was en route for home.