Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/89

 something braver and harder. Live for her when it is hard to live. Let cowards run, but let the brave stand shoulder to shoulder and build up the waste places till our country is once more clothed in wealth and beauty."

The General bowed in closing to a round of applause. His soldiers were delighted with his speech and his old slaves revelled In it with personal pride. But the rank and file of the negroes were puzzled. He did not preach the kind of doctrine they wished to hear. They had hoped freedom meant eternal rest, not work. They had dreamed of a life of ease with government rations three times a day, and old army clothes to last till they put on the white robes above and struck their golden harps in paradise. This message the General brought was painful to their newly awakened imaginations.

As the General passed through the crowd he met the Ex-Provisional Governor, Amos Hogg, busy with the organising work of his Leagues.

"Glad to see you General," said Hogg extending his hand with a smile on his leathery face.

"Well, how are you, Amos, since Macon pulled your wool?"

"Never felt better in my life, General. I want a few minutes' talk with you."

"All right, what is it?"

"General, you're a progressive man. Come, you're flirting with the enemy. The truly loyal men must get together to rescue the state from the rebels who have it again under their heel."

"So Macon's a rebel because he licked you?"

"You know the rebel crowd are running this state," said Hogg.

"Why, Hogg you were the biggest fool Secessionist I ever saw, and Macon and I were staunch Union men.