Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 36.djvu/293

 ladies disappeared, but the young man came down the steps and met us in the yard, with a smile on his face. After passing the compliments of the day, I asked for a drink of water. He asked us to walk around, as we supposed, to the well, but not so. He carried us to the back door of the dining-room, where we entered. The only words spoken on the way to the dining-room, was a remark made by the young man, that "You were not born in these parts?" "No, a good ways from here," was the reply. To which he replied: "I thought so." WHISKEY AND SUGAR. After entering the dining-room he set a decanter of whiskey, with sugar, water, etc., on the sideboard, and told us to help ourselves, and, like Crockett's friend, didn't stand and watch to see how big our drinks would be, but turned off and began putting edibles on the table. The first thing put on was a large boiled ham. I can see that ham yet. Our soldiers know how we felt. While he was thus engaged, in walked a young lady, then another, and another, till all were helping the young man prepare the table, and, oh, what a table! I never saw a better—with such waiting-maids! The young ladies, as soon as we were seated at the table, began to show their curiosity by asking questions; but a wink from the brother caused us to deal out but little information at that time. Dinner over we walked out on the veranda, where the young man informed us that it would not be safe for us to remain in the house, as a company of "Yankees" were encamped not far off, and frequently passed. He then walked with us down to the road, where he gave us some information about Baltimore. He induced us to hide in a corn patch nearby until night, as it would be dangerous to travel in daylight. He then blew his whistle for his pointer dog, which had crossed the road, and returned to the house, while we secreted ourselves in the corn patch. Just after dark, the moon shining brightly, we heard a vehicle leave the house, and when it got opposite the corn patch the whistle blew. We hurried to the road and soon the carriage