elt that she knew what I said and died happier for it. From that
minute, I took charge of Imp and fed him on a bottle until he could eat
alone. Tim and I have had sole charge of his training, but he is surely
an Imp when anyone else tries to come near him.' Becky almost wept as
she told me the story of the poor mother-mare.

"'Imp understands everything one says to him, but he can't talk;
however, his eyes tell you what he wishes to say! Now, if any stranger
should raid the stables and spy Imp, they would certainly try to steal
him first, for he is the finest thoroughbred that ever stepped over
Tennessee soil! But, he will bite, and kick, and bolt with anyone who
dares to trifle with him. Then do you know what will happen? They'll
either put a bullet through his heart, or hitch him to an army
ambulance, which will break his heart just the same.'

"Rebecca walked along in silence after that, until we reached a stile
that divided the house lands from the pastures.

"'Selina, there's only one thing to do--take him away and hide him until
this war is over. From what I gather from the servants about the place,
this plantation is in a straight line for Nashville, the point the
Yankees are making for. So, the sooner Imp is hidden the better!'

"'Becky,' asked I, in alarm, 'will these slaves desert or sell you out
to the Yankees?'

"'Mercy, no, Selina! They are like children to us. It may be that one
or two would like the novelty of going North, but they would soon be
squelched if it was found out. Why, father and mother treat their old
slaves like their family--asking advice of Tim, or Martha the
housekeeper, as the case might be. As for our old mammy--and the
cook--gracious, Selina! I'd die for either one of them, and so would any
one of us, and they know it. They'd stick to us even if we lost this
war--which we won't!' cried Rebecca.

"I felt somewhat piqued, but said nothing, for I was a guest of
Rebecca's. She sensed that she had said something difficult to forget,
and hugged me laughingly.

"'You wouldn't give a fig for a friend that could hope anything but
success for her country, would you?' she asked.

"I made no reply, and she continued in a low voice.

"'Selina, I'm going to take you into a secret that no one but Tim and
father knows about. Father hasn't an idea that I know about it, and Tim
won't tell him that I know. I found it myself years ago, and I always go
there when I want to be all alone. I have dr