ended to think nothing of it. We now commenced casting
about to see if there was any way to have Henry exchanged. He being
merely a private soldier, this was not so easy of accomplishment, as
if he had been an officer. During the evening, while we were engaged in
conversation in the parlor, Aunt Martha came in and said:

"'Uncle Daniel, dar's a young lady on de porch who wants to see you very
bad, she say, on mos' obticlar bizness.'

"'Tell her to come in,' was my answer.

"In a moment a very modest and rather pretty young lady walked in. She
was evidently greatly embarrassed. I arose, and extending my hand asked
her to be seated. She sat down for a moment, and then hesitatingly said:

"'Your wife is unwell, I understand, Mr. Lyon?'

"'Yes,' I replied; 'very unwell. She has had a great sorrow recently.'

"'Yes, sir; so I understand. I very much desired to see her, but will
not annoy her at this time. I had a matter about which I wished to speak
with her. You know, women give their confidence to one another; but I
hope you will allow me to give mine to you, as your wife is sick?'

"'Yes, my good girl; you can say what you wish to me.'

"'Well, Mr. Lyon'--she then hesitated.

"'I encouraged her to proceed.

"'Well, I am on my way South, and I wish your good offices in getting
through the lines.'

"'How can I assist you, my child?'

"'I hear, sir, that you are a great friend of the President, and I
thought perhaps you might intercede for me.'

"'May I inquire for what purpose you wish to go South? Do your people
live there?'

"'No, sir; I live in Michigan. I was never farther South than this
place, and this is my first visit here. My name is Seraine Whitcomb. I
am going South to see what I can do to have a young man exchanged who is
now a prisoner in the hands of the rebels.

"'Is he your brother?' I inquired.

"She blushed, and replied:

"'No, sir, he is not a relative; but one in whom I am much interested.'

"I saw through the whole matter at once, but did not press the young
lady further. If I had only known whom she meant I would have embraced
her as the greatest little heroine living. She said she only wished a
letter from me to the President; that she would do the rest herself.
This letter I gave her without further questions. She was so modest and
yet so brave. She took the letter, bade me good-by, and left. As she
went out she remarked:

"'Do not be surprised if you should receive a letter fr