"There ain't no list of killed and wounded," he said. Forgetful of the
creed of his sect, his son was with the army. He read, "The Rebels have
got York--that's sure--and Carlisle too. They are near Harrisburg."
"Oh, but we have burned the bridge over the Susquehanna," said some one.
Another and younger man with his arm in a sling asked, "Are they only
cavalry?"
"No, General Ewell is in command. There are infantry."
"Where is Lee?"
"I don't make that out." They went away one by one, sharing the
uneasiness felt in the great cities.
Leila called out, "Any letters, Mrs. Crocker? This is bad news."
"Here's one for you--it came in a letter to me. I was to give it to you
alone."
Leila tore it open and read it. "Any bad news, Leila?"
"Yes, Uncle James is with the army. I should not have told you.
General Meade is in command. Aunt Ann is not to know. There will be
a battle--after that he will write--after it. Please not to mention
where Uncle Jim is. When is your nephew to be buried--at the mills?"
"At eleven to-morrow."
"I shall be there. Aunt Ann will send flowers. Poor boy! he has lingered
long."
"And he did so want to go back to the army. You see, he was that weak he
cried. He was in the colour-guard and asked to have the flag hung on the
wall.
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