Fragile women and helpless children were left on the plantations while their natural protectors were at the front, and yet these bondmen refrained from violence.

Freedom was coming in the wake of the Union army, and while numbers deserted to join their forces, others remained at home, slept in their cabins by night and attended to their work by day; but under this apparently careless exterior there was an undercurrent of thought which escaped the cognizance of their masters.
In conveying tidings of the war, if they wished to announce a victory of the Union army, they said the butter was fresh, or that the fish and eggs were in good condition.

If defeat befell them, then the butter and other produce were rancid or stale.
Entering his home, Robert set his basket down.

In one arm he held a bundle of papers which he had obtained from the train to sell to the boarders, who were all anxious to hear from the seat of battle.

He slipped one copy out and, looking cautiously around, said to Linda, the cook, in a low voice:-- "Splendid news in the papers.