You know I haven't heard a word from home since I left, and it's almost a year now." "You needn't be afraid, father; the folks are all well.

I have got a heap of letters at the camp, and you shall read them all as soon as we get there." "Is your mother well, Tom ?" "First rate." "And John ?" "Yes, sir; but he's gone into the navy.

He was bound to be in the fight any how." "John's a chip of the old block.

He wanted to snuff the salt water afore he was a week old.

John's a good sailor, and he ought to have a good lay wherever he goes," added the father.
Captain Somers and Tom sat upon the ground for half an hour, until the fugitive from the rebel army was in some degree rested after the hard run he had had through the woods.