In the time that Robin and Charles had been gone,plans were being considered regarding the wisest course of action. James had convinced Chance that walking the distance to Chattanooga would be unwise, since it was nearly a hundred miles.
"He's right folks,"Addie said," Any way, I still think we may get a train comin'this way soon and I'm gonna' do all I can to help you all get on. They gotta take kindly to you all for what you done for me."
"Can't see we done that much" Chance said,"but I go'long with what the rest of you think right.'Sides that, we got to think of Betsy and Libby. They not strong like us men folk, and might be they can't put up with what might be comin'"
Libby,who had been sitting on a log beside Betsy, suddenly came to her feet."Chance, we all in this together, and Betsy and I follow where the rest of you go,an same as you go through. No need to favor us or worry that we can't keep up. After we git to the place we stop fer good, then you can treat us soft like."
"I knows you got a lot'a grit Libby," Chance said,"But it pains me to see you both goin' an not eatin'"
Betsy walked over to her father, and put an arm around his shoulders,
saying,"Papa I know you worried, but we all strong, and we goin' to make out.'Sides when Robin an Charles git back, betcha they found some vittles."
"Seems like the lord heard you Missy, cause look over there coming out of the woods!" James said,and he got up and walked the short distance to Charles and Robin, as they were stepping out into the open. Everyone surrounded the two, embracing and congratulating them on their safe return, also noticing the obvious riches of food in Robin's hands. But Betsy simply wept with the joy of seeing Robin.
Handing the jars of food to Libby, Robin turned to Betsy. "C'mon girl,dry them eyes. I told you I'd be all right" and taking her hand, they walked to the far side of the area to enjoy their reunion.
Charles, to the delight of all brought his cache out from the bag he had hung over his shoulder, and presented seven, one quart mason jars of various preserved vegetables. "And this ain't all," he told them,"They's a whole root cellar chock full, back where we found this, jist waitin' fer us to go pick it up"
Addie was looking at the bag which had been on Charles' shoulder. Where'd you get that bag at Charles?
"I was 'bout to git to that" he said "We got some more buryin' to do folks. Back where we found this food, we found two fellas, what looked like they must'a shot one an the other. One's' in the house, and the other's out by the cellar.He the one had this bag on him."
Addie was examining the leather case."Looks like the owner of this was a johnny reb. See here" and he showed the imprinted letters "CSA." That stands for Confederate States of America"
"Well that fella was wearin' grey an the one inside was dressed like you Addie." Charles told him.
"Charles, was there anything inside this bag when you opened it up?"
Addie asked.
"Not much, jest some paper and a little packet of some kind.I throwed it away, so's to make room for the food jars"
"That fella might'a been carry'in a message, tellin' what they're up to." Addie said.
"We needs to go back an' git all them other jars," said Charles."Be a shame to just let'em go to waste."
Libby had been listening to the conversation, with a thoughtful expression asked,"Charles, it don't seem right just to be helpin' ourselves to that which ain't ours. Don't nobody live there no more?"
"I was studyin' on that Libby," Charles answered, "But seemed like whoever was there, jist up and lit out"
Addie had an opinion, "Like as not,they got word that the Union troops were comin'in close,prob'ly even heard the cannon, and jist skedaddled. If we don't use what's there, someone else will."
Libby accepted this, knowing the dire situation they were in allowed a compromise in ethics.
In the excitement of the moment, they had nearly forgotten the fact that they were all hungry. James was the first to realise that they all must eat, before embarking on any mission.
"Chance, maybe you can talk these people into filling their bellies, before taking on anything else." No persuasion was necessary, as they all began opening the mason jars, and with eager fingers, pulled out the contents.
Sitting on the ground, stumps and logs,or leaning against a tree, the atmosphere was as relaxed as if they were around a banquet table. They were simply as family, grateful for the end of the hunger they had felt nearly since the time they had begun their journey to freedom. As if to seek a reprieve from the hardships they knew to come, they enjoyed the moment.
Chance and Libby sat side by side on a large log, enjoying the good food and the pleasure of the love and companionship they had for one another. They had been together now for thirty-five years, Having been sold in Charleston, South Carolina, at the slave market. There was a stipulation by their owner that they both be sold as one unit, since they had been together for most of their fifteen years.The stone block which was used to present the slaves for sale, was large enough to accommodate a small family, as was often the case. The surface was irregular, having been worn away for many years, by the bare, shifting feet of frightened human beings, awaiting their fate. Standing together on the big stone block,Chance and Libby heard the condition of the sale, joined hands, and promised they would always be,as one unit.
It was here that Mr. Barton had acquired them, granting his wife's request that he procure the comely young girl to be trained as the one to care for her child, soon to be born.So it was that the two were brought to Georgia.

Having found the remainder of the hard tack, Robin was sharing the blackberry jam with Betsy. Then, accepting the jar from Robin, Libby passed it around to the rest of the party.
"Oh my, this tops off the best meal I ever had," said James."I feel like I could go on forever.
Even Addie seemed stronger, as he stood and stretched his arms."I reckon we can take that hike to the house you found Charles, and see what we might find".
With Charles and Robin leading the way, the entire group entered the forest, pushing through brush, avoiding brambles and making their own path, until finally they came to the rutted road that Charles and Robin had found."We go this way folks" Robin directed, as he pointed to the left.In less than thirty minutes, they were approaching the small stone cottage, apprehensively searching for any movement. Feeling secure in the lack of activity, they all proceeded toward the house.
"Miss Libby, might be you'd want to stay out here with Betsy. Ain't a pretty sight inside,"Robin said. Libby agreed, and guiding Betsy to a bench near the back door, sat with her and waited.
"Will you Stay here with us Robin?" Betsy asked. Since he had no desire to revisit the scene, Robin sat down on the bench beside the women.
Charles was the first to enter, followed by Addie, then James, Barney and Chance. Stepping into the next room, they all were aware of the body lying on the floor. "Well it ain't like I never seen this before, but it sure don't never git easy."Addie said. "Charles, we need to git this fella buried purty soon, or it's gonna be worse for all of us. Seems like he's been layin' here a spell."
Addie leaned over the man and looked at his face."Why, he's not much more than a boy. Can't be more'n twenty years if that,"He said. "Looks like he caught it in the stomach, from all the blood there. Guess this is as far as he could make it'for he gave out".
Would one of you fellas go try to find a blanket to roll him up in?"
James volunteered, "I'll go see what I can find," as he headed for what he recognised as the bedroom.
Addie saw a holstered colt pistol on the young man, and reaching over to unbuckle the belt, pulled it off. Also, nearly hidden by the body he saw the butt of a rifle. As he freed it, he saw the details of what he knew to be a spencer repeater.
By now James was back with a blanket he had found, and was about to cover the body, when Addie said,"Hold off a minute, I need to find some shells for this gun." Then, reaching into the breast pocket of the jacket found what he was searching for. "Not many" he said, "But they still maybe will come in handy."
As Addie left, James laid the blanket on the floor beside the body, and rolled it twice over the blanket, pulling the blanket from both sides, until nothing could be seen of the young corpse.
Barney and Charles, each taking an end, carefully lifted and carried it outside to the shady side of the house.
Chance had been watching the scene, thinking about the unnecessary end to this young life. "Why this has to be, Addie, why all this killin' goin' on?"
"Can't say fer sure Chance. Seems like we all thought we knew one time, an' got talked into somethin' that just started snowballin'. All we knows now is we each one tryin' to kill the other, an' the lucky ones git the shot off first. But I"m real sick of seein' dead men" With that, Addie went out the back door, and walked toward the root cellar, trying to steel himself for what he knew was waiting.
Seeing him pass, Robin jumped up and caught up with him.
"In here's where we got all them food jars Addie" he said.
"I guess we better take care of this other business first." Addie told him. Robin fell in behind, as the rest of the men came to join them. As Addie walked to the root cellar, he saw the ruined rifle still pushed through the yoke of the lock, and eliminated it as part of his quest. His next step brought him in view of the boot showing by the edge of the cellar, and turning the corner, found the body of the confederate. "At least, this poor soul went fast. From the look of that hole in his head, he never knew what happened"
Barney appeared with a blanket, and stood waiting for Addie to finish his inspection. This fella's a sarge, an he's a mite older than the boy layin' yonder. From his badge, I'd guess at him bein' in the cavalry, so they might be a horse hereabouts" He walked to the side of the body, and picked up the pistol, still partly in his stiffened hand. Without removing the belt, he pulled out the shells contained in the leather sleeves.
"Very well Barney," he said softly, "Try to git him covered, and we'll see to both these brave men."
Having found a pair of shovels in the tool shed, Charles and Chance were already busy digging the two graves. All that remained now was to search them for identification.
"We need to find somethin' on them to tell who they are.The kinfolk will be wantin' to know." Addie told them, "Look for a tag around the neck, or somethin' in the pockets.I don't read too good, but I can copy down the words" James spoke up,"I can do that for you Addie,but I'll need something to put it on." Robin and Charles found some pieces of wooden fence, put together two crosses as directed by Addie,and soon James began searching for any sign of identification on the bodies.
"I found this round tag on the one in blue." Looks like it's got his name, and where he's from", James said. "Now I'll look on this other fella" After a short interval, he had to admit that he could find nothing to give a name to the confederate. "That's too bad." Addie said. "Reckon he'll just have to go unknown. Leastways we can give him a christian buryin'.
Chance walked up to James and Addie to tell them that the graves were finished. Hearing this Barney and Charles got the soldiers and laid them in. Libby and Betsy came nearer, as they all stood solemnly round the graves. James, holding his bible, began to speak."Lord, Here are two more souls we got to offer up, and you know them better than we. Maybe you won't hold it against them for doing what they felt needed doing. They both did their jobs and now they can rest. Amen." As Barney and Robin filled in the openings, the others waited until all was complete, Then James went to work on the wooden crosses.
Libby and Betsy went into the root cellar to observe the variety of preserves. The shelves were still mostly filled, and they were wondering how it could all be taken as they continued their journey.
"Guess we just have to take what we can, an' leave some for whoever finds it" Libby said. "Anyways it'll sure stay good for a spell"
Betsy was aware of something beneath her foot,and reaching down picked up the envelope which Charles had thrown down. As she retrieved it she also noticed the loose papers lying there.
"Maybe Addie would like to see these Mama"
As she left the cellar, she noticed james and Addie looking at the wooden cross on one of the graves. She and Libby walked over to them, and saw the markings, which James had painstakenly half carved and half scratched on the cross. Addie read,"Here lies James Sinclair,from York County,Pennsylvania. He was a volunteer from there,in the 2nd regiment.Addie studied the cross for a time, then said."That's mighty fine James. You done him proud."
James told him,"I just hope he can be found and get home. I sure wish we could find something from that other poor fella though."
Betsy handed the papers to James."We found this on the floor where the food's at. Must be what Charles took out of the leather pack."
James turned to give the papers to Addie, who pushed his hand back with a smile,"From what I've seen from you, I'm gonna let you tell me what it says. You read some better'n me."
Without objection, James began reading the handwritten page.

"July 20 1864
Fr. C.S.A.Army Intelligence Agency
Urgent to General Hood

Received from most reliable source, Sherman has
definite plans of leaving the area of Chautauqua
on or about July 22 1864 intending to arrive Atlanta
as early as July 27. To further enhance his position,
he has ordered General Howard to the west side of
Atlanta to destroy the railroad from Macon to Atlanta
cutting off our much needed supply route.Due to your
proximity, I trust you should have no trouble in
engaging this minor force, which numbers just a
fraction of Sherman's division. Surprise should
contribute much to your success.
With utmost respect and confidence,
General Samuel E. Mattingly

Post script:
I am sending as courier, Sergeant Ethan Andersen, who
has assured me he is familiar with the territory in
which you now find yourself,and has every expectation
of locating your position.As reward for undertaking
this hazardous mission, I have granted him a brief
furlough,to visit his family, who has residence near
your position. Please, if possible, provide him a
fresh horse, and reasonable provisions."

Everyone was silent until Chance, looking bewildered asked"What's all them big words mean James?" James, handing the pages to Addie, said "Maybe you could best say what it all means."
"Well," Addie began,"The best I can make out, there's been a purty big fight around Atlanta, an' this General's wantin' to save the railroad comin'from Macon. That's the same one carryin' the train we been waitin' for.Now, this was wrote on July twenty, an' I can't say for sure how long the fella was layin'here,but I'd say whatever happened has already been over for a spell. It could be, since this rebel didn't get through, the tracks could be tore up.
"Then we won't be takin a train ride will we?" said Robin.
"Well," Addie answered," I'd say ol' Uncle Billy Sherman's probably sittin' in Atlanta 'bout now, gettin' ready to head east. We got no way of knowin'what's goin on lest one of us goes to find out. If I could get to Atlanta, I could get you folks some help."

"You all been follow'in these train tracks, that right Chance?" Addie asked. When chance nodded, he continued. That's good, for these tracks will take you to Chattanooga, right outside this state of Georgia. Course that's a mighty far piece, but I'm thinkin' we might run into Union troopers 'fore too long."
Addie went on to explain that the previous year,he had been in a great battle, at a town called Chickamauga,inside the Georgia border.
The southern army won the battle, which had resulted in his capture,
which eventually caused him to be in Andersonville Prison.
"While I was in prison," he went on, "I heard it talked around, that about two months after that, our northern troops,turned the tables, and now controlled all Chattanooga, and Chickamauga too. I'm thinkin' that by now this war ain't far from bein' done. Least ways,if all I heard was true." He stopped speaking,as the words stirred his mind. His eyes misting,with images of home,said,"Sure hope this is all comin' to an end, as I got to get back to them that's waitin' and needin' me back."
James sensed his melancholy,and placing his hand on Addie's shoulder, said to him,"It's plain you have more hurt than shows to the eye, but somehow you got this far, so possibly, all the bad,lies behind you." Addie looked thoughtfully at James,about to comment.
The mood was interrupted as Barney asked."Addie, you think we should jus keep followin' this track, or just wait for some your friends to show up,"
Addie addressed the group,"This is my idea., If we just stay put, we can scout around here and look for some little homesteads, that have been left empty so we can get some grub from the backyard gardens they hadn't time to pick clean. That way we won't be wearin' ourselves out chasin' them tracks. I am thinkin' right soon, that the union army will be comin' by on a supply train. It's all your call though."
Chance was the first to speak."I know you must know a bunch more'bout
what's happenin' out here than us. This is the only time we ever been on our own and not knowin' where to go, but we was just figurin'
we would keep walkin' a few days, till we got to someplace where we could hunker down and maybe have a place of our own."
Addie tried to explain."That sounds real nice Chance, but it won't be that easy. From what I get from James, you must have come about thirty-five miles. You done real good, but it's a long way just to get to Chattanooga, like three times what you already done, and that would be a hundred miles about. From there you got about four hundred miles just to get where you might be safe from bein' hunted down cause of who you are. I don't like sayin' this to you, but them's facts and you all need to know it won't be easy."
Chance said,"I don't know much about miles, 'cept from the Barton house to the harness store just in McDonough, I heard tell it was 'bout five mile. But I can't put my head 'round a hundred."
"Maybe I can help you see it Chance", James offered. Squatting down,
he used a stick to scratch five lines in the dirt."This'll be five miles Chance" as he pointed to the marks. "If I do this ten more times" holding up both hands before Chance, That would be half the way to this town ahead Addie is telling us about.Ten more times would be a hundred."
Chance grappled with the concept which was foreign to him, but at length was beginning to realise the enormity of the task before them all. "Thank you James." Chance said." Wish't I'd knowed how smart you was before, but you never showed it and I guess that's how you wanted it. You just made me see how tough this free life might be.
Least ways, I'm turnin' the plannin' part of this over to you and Mistuh Addie, if he want's to take us on"
"Chance" Addie began,"You've done a fine job gettin' this whole passel of folks here this far. I think we all need to work equal, and we just might all get home."
"I was jus' thinkin'" Robin said." Maybe Betsy and me could do some of this scoutin' Addie was talkin about, and see if we could find some turnips or collard greens. We need to start eatin' somethin' sides hardtack"
From Libby came,"You jist hold on smart britches. If any one goes off scoutin' with you, won't be Betsy. Maybe Barney or Charles, or both of 'em. Then you could better keep your mind on what you lookin' for."
All the men smiled at this, as Robin accepted the situation. Chance looked to Addie."You think that would be the thing to do?"
"Well" Addie answered, I think that's a good idea, but I think maybe just Robin and Charles would be enough.I'm thinkin' we need to keep as many as we can for protection of the women folk"
"Addie, I don't understand why we has to be afraid, of someone givin' us problems, since we got papers here sayin' we be free people now, and they ain't no body lookin for us"
Addie told him," Well, since you got the release papers, that is a good thing, but only to good people. Someone come along that wanted to help himself, why he'd just take them papers from you and burn'em
and say you're a runaway."
"But them papers got a mark from a judge that say they gotta go along with what it say."
"I know Chance, but there are some people out there that just don't go by the law or anything that's right" Addie told him. "Every body you meet, won't be pullin' for you like me. When this war is over,I think it's true that you won't ever be a slave again, but they are still them people that think you should be. Some day that's gotta' change, but I don't think you or me will see it. Don't mean to sadden you Chance, just want you to know what's comin". Addie stepped over to Chance, and putting a hand on his shoulder said, "But you still gonna' be a heap better off than you were"
Chance wandered off to ponder this, beginning to feel a dread, replacing the hope with which he had begun this journey.
Betsy took a few tentative steps toward Robin, and as their eyes met,
smiled nervously as she said," You be careful now Robin. Don't you be gittin' hurt." Touched by her concern, he answered, Don't be worryin' over me Betsy. I be back real soon"
So Robin, accompanied by Charles set off to glean what they could from the countryside.
Robin had the enthusiasm of youth, and was eager to prove himself as an equal contributor to the welfare of his friends. He felt a closeness to Chance, who always seemed to show strength, and wisdom. From the time he came to the Barton plantation, Chance had been a father figure to him, one who could answer questions he had about the life they led, how to cope with it. Now Chance seemed to be doubting his ability to find the right answer, Robin was feeling the need to grow out of his youth, and be a man. He could barely remember when he had arrived at the Barton farm, but Libby had told him that he was five or six years of age,as she judged from his size and actions. Chance had told him a year ago that by the passing of the seasons, he had been on the plantation for twelve years. Maybe James could help him figure out his age.
Charles was a dreamer. Lost in his own thoughts, he walked alongside Robin, thinking about this new idea of freedom, trying to visualise the concept of controlling his own life. He was of average intelligence,with no grand ambition. His favorite thing in life when he had been able to indulge himself, was to tend the small vegetable garden behind his cabin. He enjoyed planting seeds, and knowing that he alone was responsible for giving life where none had been before. He would be content he thought, to go through life simply tending to these little miracles, and in so doing sustain his own existence. For the present that is as far as his desires had reached.
They had been walking for nearly half an hour, along what was not quite a road, but simply a trail carved by countless wagons,seeming as deserted as the surrounding forest. First Robin,then Charles spied the small stone house perhaps thirty feet off the trail just ahead. They moved together off the road, and finding a fallen tree, immediately dove behind it."You reckon anybody's there?" whispered Charles. "Can't see no one" Robin answered, Maybe we could jest stay here a spell and watch"
After nearly ten minutes the two men looked at one another, and in silent agreement rose from their position, and cautiously crept in the direction of the house. It was obvious,this was not a prosperous home, however it was well kept,with a solid picket fence around four sides, and a large hydrangea at the door. Still seeing no sign of movement, they made their way to the back of the property, looking for something resembling a vegetable garden.
"Guess if there was some vittles here, they all been picked clean"
said Charles"
Robin was looking toward the house."See that window knocked out?"
Charles came over and noticed also that the back door was half open.
Feeling bolder they both walked the short distance to the door, pushed cautiously, and getting no response, peered inside. Seeing no movement, they stepped over the threshold, into the kitchen area. They could see toppled Chairs, and the table was broken through at it's center. Nothing seemed to be in order.
"Sure looks like some scuffle took place here." he said, but Robin had already walked through into the second room, and in the half light, tripped over what he thought to be a rug, or maybe a gunny sack.As he stretched out his arm to stop his fall, his hand spread firmly on what he instantly recognised as a face!
"Oh lordy Charles," he screamed, They's someone layin' in there an' it's dead." As he burst back through the doorway, Charles grabbed him by the shoulders and tried to calm him."Take in some air Robin, an'set down here," he told him as he righted one of the overturned chairs."I'm goin'in to see what's happened."
As Charles stepped into the room,he stepped over the object on the floor, and went to the side of the room pulling back the curtains which were restricting the light from the window.After repeating this on the opposite side, he was able to see what was surely a body lying face-up on the floor.
"Robin,he called,"This fella has on the same lookin' clothes as Addie."Might be he knows him" Robin, being more composed, came back into the room and looked down at the body,getting a clearer view in the improved light. "Look at his chest Charles." he said in a near whisper,"They's sure a lot of blood, an' it's all dried up, like it happened a while back. "An' they's a gun layin' there by his side." Charles simply nodded, suggesting that they leave everything as it was and bring Addie to see what he could make of what they had found.
Once outside, the two went around to the other side and found what they knew to be a root cellar dug into the side of a hill, with the front walled up with heavy timber.They knew from their experience at the Barton plantation that this is where the food was stored for the winter."Lets take a look in there, an' see can we find somethin'"
Charles said.
As they approached the small building, they both saw a pair of dusty boots protruding from the far side. Walking around the cellar, they found a second body lying with a gaping wound above his left eye.
Charles said,"Looks like we jist found the other side of that ruckus"
Robin was shaken."If I had somethin'in my belly,I'd be losin'it" he said.
Charles was standing over the body,seeing the gun in the hand of the man. There was also a long gun leaning against the side of the root cellar. Then he noticed the leather pouch on his right side, with an attached strap crossing over to his left shoulder.He reached down, grasped it at the man's shoulder, and working it from under his head, pulled the bag away.
"I was thinkin'" he told Robin,"If we find anything in this root cellar,maybe we can carry it in here." He patted the pouch.
Robin having once again regained his composure, was able to look at the sight more easily. He commented" Ain't much change in the clothes they wearin' 'cept' this fella's got on a gray suit stedda' blue."
Charles' attention now turned to the door of the cellar, remembering the purpose of their mission. "We needs to git in here, an see if they's any thing left to take back to the folks for eatin'" Charles
said. "From the size of that lock, seems like we need somethin' purty big to jimmy it off" Both he and Robin cast about for an object which could be inserted into the loop of the lock, to force it open. Charles remembered the rifle leaning against the cellar.
"Seems like that might do fine," he said, retrieving rifle. He placed the barrel into the top of the lock, and with the help of Robin, pulled outward, levering the lock against the side of the door, until not the lock itself, but the large metal hasp, released itself from the door frame, and in a shower of splinters, was unattached. "Reckon that'll work" shouted Robin"But I doubt that gun will ever kill again." Charles nodded in agreement as he saw the noticeable bend in the barrel of the rifle.
Charles stepped through the door, with Robin following close behind.
As their eyes adapted to the faint light inside, they discovered three walls covered with five rows of shelves, completely filled with mason jars, containing what seemed to be the fruit of all of the past summer's labor. The two men, could scarcely believe the truth of the bounty before them.
"They's plenty 'nuff here to do us all fer most a year" Charles said,
"but how we goin' to git it all back?"
"Right now, I goin' to take a taste. I ain't never in my life seen this many good things to eat. Then we talk 'bout gettin' it back to the folks"
Since it had been several days since they had really satisfied their hunger, Charles agreed that they should enjoy the moment, and open a jar or two. They found carrots, turnips,and potatoes all nicely preserved. and to Robin's delight, there were several jars of blackberry jam. After emptying two large jars, and feeling satisfied at last, they began planning for their trip back to the group awaiting their return.
Robin said"Since we can't take all this food back, I reckon we might
take what we can carry, and maybe find some sacks to take back with us. Then we can all come back, an' load up what we can. Hard tellin'
how long it be 'fore that train come."
"Well, I got this bag I took off the poor fella over there, and I can cram a few jars in it." Charles said. As he spoke, he was opening the pouch, and looking inside, found a packet of papers and
a separate envelope which seemed to hold a letter."Got a bunch of paper in here,so I'll need to toss it out to make room."
Robin agreed, and Charles simply tossed the contents of the bag onto the floor of the root cellar. After packing several jars into the bag, and carrying all they could manage, the two eagerly headed back to share the abundance with the others.

They had been travelling for four days now, snatching sleep as they dared, not knowing if they may encounter others who may not be friendly to them. Chance was beginning to feel the great responsibility he was carrying.He had never thought of himself as a leader, and now he was worrying that all the group looked to him for advice and direction maybe placing too much faith in one who had always had to suppress any initiative or even deciding the path of a single day. He was uneasy with the knowledge that his decisions might cause his friends and family to come to harm. He had decided that he should include Barney and James in any plan and together, maybe they could find the life they were hoping for.
They were walking as a loose group,not in line, hugging close to the woods,still with a good view of the train tracks. Betsy was closest to the woods, darting occasionally into a thicket as she spied blackberries growing wild along the way. She was the first to see the emaciated,lifeless man, half reclining against a rotten pine stump, his empty eyes staring back at her,his arm outstretched toward her as if in supplication. Her throat tightened on the scream that was trying to erupt, making it all the more frightening when it tore from her mouth. The sound froze everyone in their tracks till the source was realised, and they all rushed to her side.
Chance pulled her away, into the waiting arms of her mother, as he knelt at the side of the corpse. Barney appeared beside him,speaking low, almost inaudible. "Sure died hard, from the look of him. Must have starved and been too weak to get food or water."
Chance was looking at his clothes."Probly worn these clothes a spell, from the look of them, all dirty and ragged as they are, but one time they must've looked some better from the look of those fancy buttons." He was alluding to the brass buttons on the demolished coat, and the emblem on the beat up hat lying on the ground, with the "U.S." stamped on them. He'd seen uniforms in Lawrenceville before, but they were grey, not blue which was before him. "Must be one of them what Massuh Barton was packin' off for" he reasoned.
Charles was clearly frightened at the scene."Chance,it makes me some shaky to be around a dead man, even more, a white man. Someone see us here like this, they gonna think we had a hand in it. We can't help this poor soul,so why don't we just get on away from here?"
"Maybe you right Charles" Chance allowed, I ain't feelin' none too easy my own self."
James was saying a silent prayer over the body. He was aware of the exchange between Chance and Charles."Folks,we can't just leave him here like this. There are animals around that will harm his body terribly, and that shouldn't happen to anyone. We need to bury him,and then I can give him God's blessing to help him to Heaven."
Everyone became still, quietly thinking this over. Libby was the first to break the silence."He's right Chance, we really needs to give this poor man a place to rest"
"I'm willin' to help bury him, Barney offered, "but how we gonna do it?" "We got no diggin' tools and the ground's purty hard."
James had to admit, it wouldn't be easy, but he was sure he had to find a way.
Till now Robin had been shocked into silence, but understanding the dilemma, he felt he had the answer. "James, maybe we could empty out the gunny sacks and go over and gather up some of them rocks by the tracks and fill up the sacks, and pile 'em up till he git's covered."
"Robin, that sounds like a smart idea." James said. "It's going to take a while to get it done, but maybe faster than digging with a stick. That good with the rest of you?"
They all nodded in agreement, and soon Libby and Betsy began taking the food from the bags, and placing it neatly on the ground. The chore went quickly, since the food was dwindling.
Barney and Charles volunteered the unappealing act of arranging the body on a level spot of ground at the wood's edge, in what they agreed was a restful place to lie.
After nearly two hours, the soldier was completely covered. James was scratching the words "Rest in Peace, on a small wooden board he had found, using a sharp stone. When finished, he stuck it in the dirt at the end of the mound, and hung on the tattered hat.
"It's a shame we didn't search him for something that had his name,"James said,"Then I could have scratched that on."
James knelt at the foot of the grave,"Jesus" he began," We knew nothing about this gentleman, but from the look of him, he must've gone through much misery and hardship. Please, Lord, give him some rest, now he's finished, and raise him up to heaven. Amen."
From behind James, just inside the woods, a voice said softly,"His name's Daniel Peale."
In a wave of startled shock, all the group turned their eyes in unison, peering at the man as he strode slowly out from the brush.
When he was fully exposed before them, it was evident that he wore the same clothing as the one they had just lain to rest beneath the stones. His clothes were somewhat in better condition than those of the one they had just interred,his countenance was gaunt, and from the way he moved, it was obvious that he was near exhaustion. The only movement now was the gentleman's outstretched hand in greeting. Chance was the first to step forward, and at the same time, reached out to take the proffered hand.
"We jest found him by that old dead stump" Chance was quick to explain. Guess he must'a been a friend to you?"
"I didn't know him for long,but we been travel'in for a spell together." the stranger said, "I knew he couldn't hold on much longer, but I thought if I could get him some water, it might do him good." With that he patted the canteen, attached to his belt, as if to prove his statement."Guess I should have kept him company. Anyways I sure admire the way you fine folks saw to his needs.
And you, Preacher," he said turning toward James, "I want to thank you special for sayin' the words over him."
Showing both embarrassment and pride, James replied,"Well sir,I can't claim to be a preacher, but I've always thought to be pointing that way."
"I see by your bible and good deeds, you can't be far off," the soldier said. And then continued,"I reckon I ought to give some account of myself and how I come to be here. My name is Adonijah Richards, and I just walked away from the prison camp down at Andersonville. Me and poor Danny just walked out the gate with none to stop us, since the guards were in as bad shape as we all were, there being nothing left to eat for anyone. Daniel had been there longer'n me so he was near used up when I first saw him. He sure was keen on gettin' out a'fore he died though." As Richards spoke, he couldn't help noticing the sparse pile of rations lying on the ground and in his hunger, pushed away his inborn pride, and said,"Folks,if you would give me a taste of whatever it is you got in the way of food, I'd be mighty grateful. It's been some time since I put much of anything in my stomach."
Without hesitation, Libby guided him in the direction of the food they had, while the rest of the party looked on in compassionate resignation.
Libby rummaged in the dwindling pile of food, and chose a slice of salt pork,a piece of dried pork skin, and a small portion of chitlins."I'm sure sorry that I can't give you more," she told him,"But we've scarce got enough for one more meal our ownselfs"
The apology was wasted on Adonijah, as he devoured the offering, and reached for his canteen, fastened to his belt. Removing it, he unscrewed the top, and took a drink. With the cap still off, he held it toward Libby, and motioned for her to drink. Libby murmured something inaudible,and smiling backed away. The entire party felt an embarrassed discomfort, not knowing how to react. In their past, they had never heard of a white man sharing a drinking vessel with one of their kind.
"Look folks" he began" I know I must really look a sight, but I promise that I got no ailment that could hurt any of you"
Chance grinned at this, telling him,"Mistuh, we jest aint never had much face to face minglin' with white folks but I sure would like a drink from your little can."
Smiles were shared and soon all the introductions were complete, and a feeling of camaraderie was felt all around.
"One thing I'm havin' a time with," Charles said to the man "I can't seem to get the hang of sayin'your name."
Adonijah laughed."Most folks have trouble with that, so most my friends just call me Addie, and I'd be proud if you'd all do the same.