Keep them as
they are and permit no one to approach without my written orders."
At this moment the field-hands, who had been surging nearer and
nearer, sent forward a sort of improvised deputation. They
approached bowing, with hats in hand and wistful looks in their
eyes. Were these in truth the messengers of freedom of whom they had
heard so much? Mr. Baron almost gnashed his teeth as he witnessed
this action on the part of his property.
"Mars'r," said the spokesman, "I reck'n you got good news for we
uns."
"Yes, good news. You are all free." His words rang out so that they
were heard by every one. Shouts and cries of exultation followed
like an echo, and ragged hats were tossed high in joy.
The young soldier raised his hand with a warning and repressive
gesture. In the silence that ensued he added, "My men here are both
free and white, yet they must obey orders. So must you. Go back to
your quarters and prove yourselves worthy of freedom by quiet
behavior and honesty. If I find any one, black or white, acting the
part of a thief while I am in charge it will go hard with him.
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