"Once within the Union lines, and you will feel
like another man."
"Ah, but how to get me there? that's the tug of war," said Harold, but
with a smile and in tones more hopeful than his words. "Duncan, you are a
Christian?"
"Yes, Allison; Jesus Christ is the Captain of my salvation; in whom I
trust, and in whose service I desire to live and die."
"Then are we brothers indeed!" and with the words their right hands joined
in a more cordial grasp than before.
The sun was nearing the western horizon when at length Harold was left
alone. He bowed his head upon his knees in thought and prayer, remaining
thus for many minutes, striving for a spirit of forgiveness and compassion
towards the coward wretch who would have slain one dearer to him than
life.
At last, as the shadows of evening were gathering over the place, he
lifted a pale, patient face; and rising, made his way slowly and with
difficulty towards the spot where Jackson lay prostrate on the ground,
groaning and crying like a child.
Sitting down beside the miserable creature, he spoke to him in gentle,
soothing tones. "You have been here a long time?"
"The longest year that ever I lived! but it won't last much longer," and
he uttered a fearful oath.
"Are you expecting to be exchanged?"
"Exchanged! no.
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