s, came the young colonel who had
commanded the regiment that had camped at the bridge the first year of
the war. It did not seem to the boys that Cousin Belle liked him, for
she took much longer to dress when he came; and if there were other
officers present she would take very little notice of the colonel.

Both boys were in love with her, and after considerable hesitation had
written her a joint letter to tell her so, at which she laughed
heartily and kissed them both and called them her sweethearts. But,
though they were jealous of several young officers who came from time
to time, they felt sorry for the colonel,--their cousin was so mean to
him. They were on the best terms with him, and had announced their
intention of going into his regiment if only the war should last long
enough. When he came there was always a scramble to get his horse;
though of all who came to Oakland he rode the wildest horses, as both
boys knew by practical experience.

At length the soldiers moved off too far to permit them to come on
visits, and things were very dull. So it was for a long while.

But one evening in May, about sunset, as the boys were playing in the
yard, a man came riding through the place on the way to Richmond. His
horse showed that he had been riding hard. He asked the nearest way to
"Ground-Squirrel Bridge." The Yankees, he said, were coming. It was a
raid. He had ridden ahead of them, and had left them about Greenbay
depot, which they had set on fire. He was in too great a hurry to stop
and get something to eat, and he rode off, leaving much excitement
behind him; for Greenbay was only eight miles away, and Oakland lay
right between two roads to Richmond, down one or the other of which
the party of raiders must certainly pass.

It was the first time the boys ever saw their mother exhibit so much
emotion as she then did. She came to the door and called:

"Balla, come here." Her voice sounded to the boys a little strained
and troubled, and they ran up the steps and stood by her. Balla came
to the portico, and looked up with an air of inquiry. He, too, showed
excitement.

"Balla, I want you to know that if you wish to go, you can do so."

"Hi, Mistis----" began Balla, with an air of reproach; but she cut him
short and kept on.

"I want you all to know it." She was speaking now so as to be heard by
the cook and the maids who were standing about the yard listening to
her. "I want you all to know it--every one on