I have had enough of war since he - Oh, he
was good to me -I never cared for any one so much."
I looked at the boy with an odd sensation for which I have no name.
"Whom are you talking about?" I asked. "Your mother your sister?"
"Oh, no;" the tone was simplicity itself. "Never had no mother.
I mean the lady at the big house; the one that was married. She
gave me money to go out of Washington, and, wanting to be a soldier,
I followed Curly Jim. I didn't think he'd die - he looked so
strong - What's the matter, sir? Have I said anything I shouldn't?"
I had him by the arm. I fear that I was shaking him.
"The lady!" I repeated. "She who was married - who gave you money.
Wasn't it Mrs. Jeffrey?"
"Yes, I believe that was the name of the man she married. I didn't
know him; but I saw he r-"
"Where? And why did she give you money? I will take you home with
me if you tell me the truth about it."
He glanced back at the tent from which I had slightly drawn him
and a hungry look crept into his eyes.
"Well, it's no secret now," he muttered. "He used to say I must
keep my mouth shut; but he wouldn't say so now if he knew I could
get home by telling. He used to be sorry for me, he used. What
do you want to know?"
"Why Mrs. Jeffrey gave you money to leave Washington.
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