So I should advise you to go to him at once, for he will be so busy soon that there is no saying when the whole troop will get their uniforms." Upon his return home Vincent related to his mother and sisters the conversation that he had had with Major Ashley.
"Certainly you had better take a servant with you," his mother said.

"I suppose, when you are riding about you will have to cook your dinner and do everything for yourself; but when you are in a town you should have these things done for you.

Who would you like to take ?" "I should like to take Dan, mother, if you have no objection.

He is very strong and active, and I think would generally be able to keep up with us; besides, I know he would always stick to me." "You shall have him certainly, Vincent; I will make him over formally to you." "Thank you, mother," Vincent said joyfully; for he had often wished that Dan belonged to him, as he would then be able to prevent any interference with him by the overseer or anyone else, and could, if he liked, give him his freedom--although this would, he knew, be of very doubtful advantage to the lad as long as he remained in the South.
The next morning the necessary papers were drawn up, and the ownership of Dan was formally transferred to Vincent.

Dan was wild with delight when he heard that Vincent was now his master, and that he was to accompany him to the war.