'
" 'But you will find it hard work. You have only to cross the
river, and in our lines you will be no longer a slave.'
" 'I know it, sir. Three of my children have got their freedom,
thank God, in that way. But I can't leave these children.'
"I looked down at them. They were beautiful children. The
youngest was a girl, with small features, dark hair, and black
eyes. The boy, of six, was pale and composed, and uttered no
murmur. Both clung confidently to the old negro.
"I could not help admiring the old man, who could resist the
prospect of freedom, though he had coveted it all his life, in
order to remain loyal to his trust. I felt desirous of drawing
him out on the subject of the war.
" 'What do you think of this war?' I asked.
"He lifted up his hand, and in a tone of solemnity, said, 'I
think it is the cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night,
that's going to draw us out of our bondage into the Promised
Land.'
"I was struck by his answer.
" 'Do many of you--I mean of those who have not enjoyed your
advantages of education--think so?'
" 'Yes, sir; we think it is the Lord's doings, and it is
marvelous in our eyes.
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