Don't look like it, jest yet, I knows; but I lives in faith; it'll come
byumby' When the fellow said that, I declare to you, Surrey, I felt like
hiding my face. At last I began to comprehend what your indignation
meant against the order forbidding slaves coming into our lines, and
commanding their return when they succeed in entering. Just then we all
seemed to me meaner than dirt."
"As we are; and, as dirt, deserve to be trampled underfoot, beaten,
defeated, till we're ready to stand up and fight like men in this
struggle."
"Amen to that, Colonel," added Whittlesly.
"Well, I'm pretty nearly ready to say so myself," finished Brooks, half
reluctantly.
CHAPTER IX
"_The best-laid schemes o' mice and men
Gang aft agley._"
BURNS
They didn't find Jim in the camp of his regiment, so went up to
head-quarters to institute inquiries.
"Given?" a little thought and investigation. "Oh! Given is out on picket
duty."
"Whereabouts?"
The direction indicated. "Thanks! we'll find him."
Having commenced the search, Surrey was determined to end it ere he
turned back, and his two friends bore him company. As they came down the
road, they saw in the distance a great stalwart fellow, red-shirted and
conspicuous, evidently absorbed in some singular task,--what they did
not perceive, till, coming to closer quarters, they discovered, perched
by his side, a tin cup filled with soap-suds, a pipe in his mouth, and
that by the help of the two he was regaling himself with the pastime of
blowing bubbles.
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