"I most wish Nell was that way of thinking." It was time now for Rocket to go, and 'mid the deafening howls of the negroes and the tears of Mrs.Worthington and Alice he was led away, the latter watching him until he was lost to sight beyond the distant hill, then, falling on her knees, she prayed, as many a one has done, that God would be with our brave soldiers, giving them the victory, and keeping one of them, at least, from falling.
Sadly, gloomily the autumn days came on, and the land was rife with war and rumors of war.

In the vicinity of Spring Bank were many patriots, but there were hot Secessionists there also, and bitter contentions ensued.

Old friends were estranged, families were divided, neighbors watched each other jealously, while all seemed waiting anxiously for the result.

Toward Spring Bank the aspersions of the Confederate adherents were particularly directed.

That Hugh should go North and join the Federal army was taken as an insult, while Mrs.Worthington and Alice were closely watched, and all their sayings eagerly repeated.