Storm Clouds Rolling In & On To Richmond (Books 1 & 2 in the Bregdan Chronicles) by Ginny Dye - HTML preview

Chapter Thirty-One

Carrie stooped down and gathered up a handful of fresh dirt. She let it sift through her fingers slowly and fall to the ground as she looked out over the freshly plowed fields. Spring had finally returned to the South.

Birds sang gloriously, and trees sported their new clothing in myriad shades of green. Limbs swayed in response to the warm wind bathing her body. Carrie gave a sigh of delight and knelt to gather up another handful of dirt.

She had loved to do it since she was just a little girl.

She had claimed then it was like feeling God, because only God could put all the magic things in dirt to make plants grow. She still felt that way. Dark and soft to the touch, the fertile soil was ready to do its job. Planting would begin tomorrow. The largest part of her father’s plantation would be replanted in tobacco and corn, but over three hundred acres would be planted in food crops.

Carrie knew it was a tremendous undertaking. Even with all of her father’s original slaves, it would be an incredible amount of work to maintain and harvest the crops, not to mention transporting them to Richmond.

The food crops were incredibly labor intensive. She would simply do the best she could with the slaves that remained. They had performed amazing feats so far, but without Moses to supervise them...

Carrie shook her head to push away any negative thoughts. Even if half the crops rotted from lack of care and harvest, she would have tried her best. And there was no real loss. Unless things changed dramatically with the war and the blockade, her crops of tobacco and corn weren’t going anywhere either. They would simply rot in the barns or fields. She was determined to feed as many people as she could from the fields of Cromwell

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Plantation. If she could have managed it, she would have planted the whole plantation in food.

Carrie heard someone call her name and looked up expectantly.

Jubal ran up to her, panting from his dash down the road. “They be here, Miss Carrie!”

She had asked Jubal to come to the fields as soon as Opal arrived with the children. She knew they were to arrive in a day or so, but wasn’t sure how much the rain-soaked roads would slow them down.

“Wonderful!” Carrie exclaimed. “Do they look well?”

She wasn’t sure why she was asking a twelve-year-old boy.

Jubal shrugged. “I reckon they look all right.” His face broke forth in a huge grin. “There for sho be one that look mighty fine.”

Carrie laughed. “Sadie caught your eye, did she?”

Jubal nodded. “That be her name? The one looks to be my age?”

Carrie nodded. “Yes, her name is Sadie. I believe she’s thirteen.”

Jubal continued to grin, his eyes shining brightly.

Carrie swung into her saddle. “Come on, Jubal. You can ride up here with me.” She reached down to help him swing up behind her.

Jubal gasped, his eyes even wider than before. “You’s gonna let me ride on Granite with you, Miss Carrie? Why, I ain’t never been on a horse before.”

“It’s high time you started,” she replied. “Put your foot in the stirrup here.”

Jubal sprang to obey.

“Now swing up behind me.” She reached down her hand and helped hoist the boy behind her. Then she urged Granite into an easy canter.

“Great Jehoshaphat!” Jubal breathed. He wrapped his arms around her tightly and made not another sound.

Opal and the children were standing in the clearing when Carrie rode up. She dismounted and helped Jubal swing down. He stared at Sadie for a moment and then ran off to brag to all his friends. Carrie moved quickly to where Opal was standing.

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“Opal, it’s so wonderful to see you.” They embraced warmly. There was still sorrow pooled in her eyes, but she had a determined air about her. “I’m so sorry about Fannie,” Carrie said. She knew how much Opal had loved her cousin. She also knew Fannie had been the only blood family Opal had left, other than Fannie’s children.

Opal merely nodded and looked down at the kids for a moment. “Thank you so much for having us back on the plantation.”

“It will always be your home if you need it,” Carrie said simply. “At least while I’m here.” She knelt down to put herself on level with the smaller children. “Hello,” she said. “Welcome to Cromwell Plantation. I’m glad you’re here. It’s good to see you all again.” Her heart twisted at the pain locked in their eyes and on their faces. She remembered so well their happy exuberance the last time she had seen them. She stood and reached out her hand to Susie. “I’m so sorry,” she said. There were no other words.

Susie took her hand and gazed into her eyes for a long moment. She seemed to be trying to bring her emotions under control before she spoke. “Thank you for having us here. The children needed to get out of Richmond.”

Carrie nodded and smiled. She looked at Opal again.

“I am letting you and the children have Rose and Moses’

cabin.”

Opal nodded. “Sam told me on the way that Rose and Moses are gone. I will miss them, but I sure am glad they’re free.” She paused. “But putting us in their cabin…

We don’t have to have a place so grand. Any of the cabins will do.”

“Good. Rose and Moses’ will do the job just fine then.”

Carrie looked at Susie. “Could you please take the children into the cabin? We will bring your things in soon.

I’d like a few minutes to talk to Opal.” Susie nodded and took Carl by the hand. Sadie took Amber’s hand and followed. Once they were inside, Carrie turned to Opal.

“Did you have any trouble leaving the city?”

Opal shook her head. “I showed your letter to the guards, and they let me right by. That is, once they saw your last name, and I told them who your daddy was.

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Seems like your daddy must be pretty important around there.”

“I believe he is. It has helped me several times, too.”

She allowed herself a brief thought of Matthew. Was he still in prison? “Have you heard any more about Eddie?”

Opal shook her head again, and tears filled her eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” Carrie said. “I have written a letter to my father asking him to find out whatever he can. I don’t have much confidence he can do much, though. Nor, I am afraid, will he be very motivated once he discovers the charges are treason.”

Opal nodded. “Thank you for at least trying,” she said softly. “Your daddy knows I am back on the plantation?”

Carrie nodded. “I didn’t say anything about the children. I didn’t see a need. I simply told him you had been very ill and could no longer work at the Armory. I told him you would be of great use here once I had nursed you back to health.” Lying to her father seemed to have become a habit.

She looked up to see Opal staring off into the distance.

“Opal?”

Opal continued to stare, but she answered. “All that thinking about being free. All that work to try to help...

I’m right back where I started from.” She paused for a long moment. “Life seems kinda funny sometime, don’t it?”

Carrie didn’t know what to say. She knew what it was like to have big plans changed by life’s circumstances in the blink of an eye. Something Sarah said came back to her. “Sarah told me once that you can’t look on the surface of things. She said you had to search deep underneath and inside. She said it takes time to really see something for what it is.” She paused for a moment, remembering. “She said that a lot of times the things we think are horrible really turn out for the best.” She moved forward and slipped her arm around Opal’s waist. “I guess we’ll both have the chance to find out how the bad can turn out for the good.”

Opal nodded. “Thank you, Miss Carrie.” She squared her shoulders and lifted her head high. “I’d better go look after my children,” she said, turning away.

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Carrie watched her go. Opal would soon discover the food she had left in the cabin and the bunks Jupiter had built into the wall for the children. Warm blankets were folded on each one. It had been all she had time to do on such short notice. She remounted Granite, then trotted swiftly up the road.

Sam was waiting on the porch for her. “Your daddy sent back a letter.”

“You saw my father?”

Sam shook his head. “I ran into the fella bringing it here. He gave it to me to deliver.” He looked down. “Got one more here for you, too.”

Carrie nodded and reached for the letters, her eyes brightening in excitement when she spotted Janie’s name in the top corner. “May I have my lunch on the porch today, Sam?” She waited for his nod and walked over to the porch swing to read her letters. She turned to her father’s first.

Dear Carrie,

It is with great anxiety that I write this letter. I have just been informed of a massive buildup of Union troops at Fort Monroe. There can be but one purpose for their presence. The North is finally ready to make its assault on Richmond. Their position will bring them in your direction unless they can be stopped. General Johnston has moved closer to Richmond and will be sent to stop them if indeed they make a move proving the capital is their objective. It is time for you to come to the city. I cannot bear to think of your life being in danger. I will expect a letter from you soon informing me of your plans.

I fear what will become of my glorious plantation if indeed the Union succeeds in their plans. I am enclosing a letter for Ike Adams. He is to be in charge of things until the time comes when it is safe for you to return. I have given him instructions to occupy the plantation as long as possible, but to flee if Union troops actually come there. I am sure the slaves are in no danger, though I fear I will lose all I have

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worked so hard to accomplish. The North seems to treat them very well. I have heard of whole plantations of slaves being carried behind lines and sent off to contraband camps. The Yankees will stop at nothing to destroy us. They will not succeed.

A bit of good news. Congressman Ely of New York, for several months a guest in our officers’

prison, finally arranged an exchange of prisoners for several of the officers and the remaining two civilian prisoners. Matthew Justin is now a free man and on his way north. I had breakfast with him this morning before he left on the train. He is certainly a happy man, though a bit sad at having to leave his friends behind. He sends his fondest greetings and gratitude for all you did for him.

Matthew was free! Carrie leaned back against the swing and wiped away the tears of happiness rolling down her cheeks. How happy he must be. And how happy Aunt Abby would be to know he was free and safe. She picked up the letter and continued.

I know how dedicated you are to growing food for the city. I am sorry it has come to this, but I simply must insist you come to Richmond. It is the only way I will get any rest. I will look forward to hearing from you soon about the date of your arrival.

Much love,

Father

Carrie frowned and laid her father’s letter aside. Then she reached for Janie’s.

Dear Carrie,

How I miss you and long for your cheerful, steady presence. Panic seems to be spreading in the city as word has reached us about McClellan’s movements.

I am sure your father is keeping you abreast of the news.

The hospital has become even busier as General Johnston has sent hundreds of men here who are too ill to join him in the march to the coast to meet

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McClellan. Seldom have I seen such tired, sick and discouraged men. They break my heart on a daily basis, yet their gratefulness keeps me going. I see my own two brothers in every one of their faces.

Dr. McCaw continues to develop his plans for a massive hospital operation. We will soon have our own bakery and distillery. He has plans to add more tent wards when the many buildings here are full, as he expects them to be. He is in the process of purchasing cattle and goats to make sure the men are properly fed. I have told him of your mission to provide food for the city. He is hoping you will keep the hospital in mind.

I think of you daily. I admire your commitment to stay where you are, but I long to have you here where we can work side by side. The needs are great and, I fear, will do nothing but grow greater.

Keep studying those books. The South is going to need your skills and abilities. They just don’t know it yet!

With much affection,

Janie

Carrie folded the letter, leaned back against the swing, and stared out over the pastures once again turning a lush green.

She merely nodded when Sam carried out her tray of food.

After a long time, she finally stood and walked to her father’s office. She sat down at the desk, pulled out a sheet of paper, and began to write.

Dearest Father,

I received your letter today. I am so thrilled to know Matthew Justin is a free man. He must indeed be very happy.

As to the buildup of troops at Fort Monroe, I find I am not willing to allow the Union to scare me from my present course. The fields of Cromwell are too important to the feeding of Richmond. Tomorrow we begin to plant. Let the troops come. I do not think they will bother with Cromwell Plantation—not that I think

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they will even get this far. I have great confidence in General Johnston to stop them. He has proven himself at Bull Run.

Please do not worry about me. I have not forgotten my promise to you. I simply do not feel in danger. If the time comes, I will join you in Richmond.

With much love from your hardheaded daughter, Carrie

With a sigh, Carrie folded the letter, slipped it in an envelope, and addressed it. She knew it would do little to alleviate her father’s worry. She also knew she simply could not leave the plantation now. She had lost valuable planting time the summer before when she was called to Richmond during the Battle of Bull Run. She was not going to run to Richmond every time there was a threat.

There was too much to do.

Janie’s letter had been harder to resolve in her mind, and she knew her friend understood the conflict in her heart. Never had she thought she would be so torn by desires and loyalty.

Rose walked out of school and stopped to take a deep breath. Spring was finally making itself felt in Philadelphia. There were still mounds of snow hiding in shadows and cold alcoves, but there was a warm glow in the air, and the trees in the park were filled with buds ready to burst forth with new life. Rose lifted her face gratefully to the sun. She didn’t miss being a slave, but she still missed the beauty and openness of the plantation.

The sound of a deep male voice caused her to look around quickly, but her face fell when she identified it.

She couldn’t help it. Everywhere she went, she looked for Moses. She daydreamed that someday he would sneak up behind her and grab her in a big hug. She knew her daydreams were ridiculous, but they kept her hopeful.

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Moses had been gone for three weeks. The days weren’t quite so bad. School, housework and Aunt Abby kept her busy. But the nights... The nights were endless.

She missed him with a fierce aching that left her in tears when she crawled into bed and reached out for the empty place beside her, wondering what he was doing, if he was safe, if she would ever see him again.

Rose cleared her thoughts and started down the street. If she hurried, she could get home in time to have a special dinner fixed for Aunt Abby. Today, for the first time, she slowed when she came to the sweet potato man.

The street vendor watched her coming. “Why, if it ain’t the pretty little lady! I got me some o’ the best sweet taters you ever put in your mouth. Why don’t you buy some, pretty lady?”

Rose cringed at the leering wheedle in his voice. He wasn’t usually quite so bold. Only the idea of fixing Aunt Abby a sweet potato pie made her stop. She kept her face expressionless. “I’d like three sweet potatoes, please,” she said coolly.

The street vendor leered again and closed his eye in a wink. “Well, listen to the pretty lady. She even talks pretty.” He raised a hand to motion to someone, then abruptly turned away.

“What—”

Suddenly, she felt herself grabbed from behind. In moments, her arms were pinned to her side roughly, causing her to gasp in pain. She knew instantly this was no fulfillment of her daydream about Moses.

“Good job, Mitchell.” It was the voice from her worst nightmare.

Ike Adams! Rose gasped and struggled to free herself.

The pain that blazed through her body when he cruelly twisted one of her arms caused her to quit fighting. She looked around frantically. Her only friend, the pepper pot lady, had chosen this one day of the year to leave early.

The vendor shrugged and looked at Rose. “You should’ve been a little friendlier, pretty lady,” he said in a flat tone. He turned to Adams. “Where’s my money?”

Adams maintained his cruel grasp on her arm while he reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope.

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With a laugh, he tossed it into the vendor’s outstretched hand. “Like I said, good work.”

Rose looked at the vendor in disbelief. “You sold out one of your own people?” she gasped.

The vendor never blinked an eye. Calmly, he counted the money in the envelope. Then he looked up. “Like I said, pretty lady, you should have been a little friendlier.

It’s hard times, you know. I got me a wife and kids to feed.” He stuffed the money in his pocket. “It’s just business,” he said. He glared at Adams. “Get her out of here. You standin’ round here is bad for business.”

Adams laughed and pushed Rose in front of him. “Let’s go, Rose.”

The way he said her name made Rose cringe in fear and fury. Aunt Abby had a late meeting this afternoon.

She wouldn’t be anywhere near here. Frantically, she tried to figure some way to get free.

Adams seemed to read her mind. Twisting her arm so tightly she almost cried out in pain, he said roughly,

“Don’t even think about getting away. I could break your little arm in a flash. We’re going somewhere to wait for that big husband of yours. I aim to present Mr. Cromwell with both his runaway slaves.”

Rose thought quickly. Adams didn’t know about Moses being gone.

“I left a little note on the door to that fancy nigger school you go to. I reckon they know where you’re shacking up right now. They’ll get a message to Moses.”

Rose was relieved to find out he didn’t know where she lived. At least Aunt Abby wouldn’t be in any danger. “How did you find me?” she finally asked.

Adams’ laugh made her insides tremble. “I got my ways, Rose. I can smell a runaway nigger a mile away. I got lucky with you, though,” he admitted. “I wasn’t even looking for you until I saw you walking to your school a couple of days ago. I’ve been following you ever since. I lost you yesterday when you climbed into that carriage. I decided I wasn’t going to lose you again. Worked out my little deal with the sweet potato nigger then.” He twisted her arm again and laughed when she gasped from the pain. “You were beginning to worry me today. That vendor nigger wasn’t sure he could get you to stop. I was gonna

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have to figure out something else. Thank you for saving me the trouble.”

Rose remained silent. He was telling her an awful lot.

That must mean he was confident no one would be able to save her. She tried to bluff. “Moses will kill you when he finds you,” she stated.

The laugh Adams gave this time chilled her to the bone. She felt him reach for something and then a sinister-looking pistol appeared in front of her face. “I sure hope he tries to. That will make killing him a little easier.” He paused. “If this one don’t stop him, I got two more to finish him off. I understand big niggers can be hard to kill.”

Panic surged like bile into Rose’s throat. She had to get away from this evil man, but how?

Adams continued. “I figure it will take Moses a little while to find you. I got a nice soft bed waiting for us. This time there ain’t nobody to keep me from having my way.

Even if you’re a nigger woman, I figure you can keep a man happy. Carrie Cromwell ain’t around to save you this time.” He twisted her arm again.

Unmindful of the pain ripping through her body, Rose began to struggle violently. Let him break her arm. Let him break every bone in her body. She was not going to let him rape her. “Let...me...go!” she gasped.

Suddenly, miraculously, she felt herself break free from his grasp. Her dress ripped as he grabbed for her, but she was free! Without looking behind her, she began to run.

There was a loud curse, and she heard pounding footsteps behind her. Rose knew Adams would do everything possible to catch her. He had been thwarted too many times. Would he use the gun? Heart racing, she dashed through the crowds of people, hoping they would slow him down.

A boy emerged from an alley between two buildings.

Too late, she saw the handle in his hands. There was no way to avoid the long cart that followed him. She crashed into it, moaning with pain as she crumpled to the sidewalk.

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“Hey, lady!” the young boy exclaimed. “I didn’t see you.

You okay?”

Adams loomed over her. Rose stiffened as he pinned her arms against her body and pressed his cold gun to her neck.

“This ain’t no lady, boy. She ain’t nothing but a runaway slave. You did everyone around here a favor, and now you can keep moving on.”

The boy looked at Adams uncertainly. Then he looked back at Rose. She begged him for help with her eyes, but realized there was nothing a young boy could do.

Adams twisted one of her arms cruelly and waved his pistol in the boy’s direction. “I said to keep moving. My patience is running real short. Unless you want trouble, too, you better do what I say.”

Rose watched as fear gripped the young boy’s face. She was glad when he picked up his cart handle and turned to move on. She didn’t want anyone else to be hurt.

Adams spun Rose around to face him. His face was red with fury. He stared at her for a long moment and pulled his hand back.

Rose’s head snapped back as the slap connected with her face, but she remained silent. She would not give him the satisfaction of crying out.

“You and I need to reach an understanding, nigger girl,” Adams snapped. He snarled and shoved her back into the cold, dark depths of the alley. He released her arm long enough to push her back against the building’s cold bricks. He gripped both her arms and pressed his body against her. “You’re making it harder on yourself, Rose. My loving tends to get a little rough when I’m angry,” he sneered.

Rose stared at him and screamed again. “Let me go!”

Adams cursed loudly and raised his hand to slap her again. Rose shrank back against the bricks but met his evil gaze levelly. She was not afraid to die. She was afraid of living with what this man wanted to do to her.

“You heard the lady.”

Rose gasped when a strong voice cracked in the alley.

“She said let her go.”

The voice stopped Adams’ hand. Cursing again, he whirled to face his newest tormentor.

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“He has a gun,” Rose cried.

In a flash, the tall, thin man peering into the alley shot his fist out and connected with Adams’ jaw. Rose heard the sharp crack and watched as Adams, a surprised look on his narrow face, sank to the sidewalk and lay still.

Only then did the tall man turn to Rose. His voice was gentle. “I’m so sorry, Rose.” He reached for her hand and helped her step over Adams’ body and onto the sidewalk.

“I’ve been trying to catch up to you. I saw you break away from this man a ways back. I’m afraid my months in prison have left me rather slow.”

Rose stared at him, her breath coming in gasps. “You know me?” She didn’t remember ever seeing the skinny man with the flowing red hair and beard.

He smiled. “You might not remember me anyway, but you certainly wouldn’t with the way I look now. I’m Matthew Justin.”

“Carrie and Robert’s friend?” When she looked closer, she recognized him. His blue eyes were tired, but they still held the sparkle she remembered. And even the beard could not disguise the smile.

Matthew nodded, studying her. “Are you all right? Did this brute hurt you? ” His tone was severe. “I’m sorry it took me so long to catch up.”

Rose shook her head. “I’m all right,” she managed. She knew her arms would be sore for days to come, and she was sure there would be a welt on her face, but it was nothing when she thought of what could have happened.

She couldn’t control the shudder that coursed through her.

Matthew looked at her closely. “Can you walk home?”

When she nodded, he continued. “I’ll meet you at Aunt Abby’s.”

“You know where I am staying?” Rose asked incredulously.

Matthew nodded. “Carrie told me.”

Rose gazed at him in amazement and delight. “You’ve seen Carrie? Is she all right? Is she...?”

More questions would have poured from her mouth, but Matthew raised a hand to stop her. “We’ll have plenty

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of time to talk later. Aunt Abby doesn’t know I’m back. I was planning on surprising her tonight.”

“Oh, she’ll be so happy!”

Matthew nodded. “No happier than I,” he said with a laugh. Then he sobered. “You go on ahead. I’m going to take care of this scum,” he said in a voice like ice. He looked down at Adams’ still body. “Adams and I are going to have a talk. By the time we’re done, I don’t think you’ll need to worry about him bothering you again.”

Rose had to know one thing. “Marse Cromwell... Did he send Adams after us?”

Matthew shook his head. “Thomas still doesn’t know you’re not both on the plantation.” Just then Adams stirred and groaned. Matthew spoke more adamantly this time. “Go home, Rose. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

Rose turned and flew down the sidewalk.

“Are you going to tell me what you’re so fidgety about?”

Aunt Abby finally demanded. “I’ve been watching you for the last hour, and you’re about to drive me crazy with curiosity.”

Rose struggled to think of something to say. She had so badly wanted to tell Aunt Abby about her encounter with Ike Adams, but doing so would have necessitated telling her about Matthew. And Matthew wanted to surprise her.

“Well?” Aunt Abby’s expression was one of concern now. “Are you all right, Rose? Is something wrong?”

Rose opened her mouth, knowing she needed to say something, but just then the doorbell rang. She gasped with relief and jumped up. “I’ll get it,” she said, but as she approached the door, she suddenly slowed. What if Adams had gotten the best of Matthew? What if it was Ike Adams on the other side of the door? Fear grabbed her for a moment until she realized how silly it was. A weasel like Ike Adams was no match for Matthew Justin. She smiled and reached forward to open the door.

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“Who in the world is it?” Aunt Abby demanded from just behind her. “It’s too late for callers.”

Rose jerked the door open.

“Is it too late for this caller?” Matthew called teasingly.

Aunt Abby stared at him for a moment as if he were a ghost and then gave a glad cry. She leapt forward and fell into his arms. “Matthew! Matthew Justin! You’re home!”

Tears rolled down her face as she sobbed joyously.

Rose wiped at her own tears as she witnessed the jubilant reunion.

Matthew made no attempt to hide his own as well.

Finally, laughing, he moved Aunt Abby back into the hallway and pushed the door shut behind him. He smiled down at Rose. “Thank you for keeping my secret.”

Aunt Abby spoke through her tears. “You knew he was here?” she asked Rose. “How?”

Rose hesitated.

Matthew answered for her. “I helped her with a little run-in with Ike Adams today.”

Aunt Abby frowned. “Ike Adams?” Her voice sharpened. “Isn’t he the old overseer from Carrie’s plantation?”

Rose nodded mutely.

Aunt Abby took a deep breath and stepped back from Matthew. “Why don’t we go into the parlor? I’d say we all have a lot of talking to do.”

“I’d say you’re right,” Matthew agreed with a smile.

It was past midnight when Rose wearily climbed the stairs to her room. Matthew and Aunt Abby were still talking. Aunt Abby’s laughter pealed through the house again. The sound made Rose happy, but her own aching for Moses had deepened. She had longed all night to hear another knock on the door so she could open it to find Moses standing on the stoop.

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She stared out the window for a long time. Matthew had assured her Adams would no longer be a threat. She had questioned him about what happened, but his face had merely grown grim when he said, “Ike Adams is basically a selfish man. He will always look out for himself first. I convinced him it would not be healthy for him to mess with either you or Moses.”

That was all he would say. His calm assurance had comforted her, but she couldn’t help peering out the window to see if Adams’ wiry form was outside lurking behind a bush, his beady eyes watching them.

Finally, she turned away from the window and retreated to her bed. She couldn’t help the tears that engulfed her as she longed for Moses’ strength to shield her. Her body still ached from her struggle today. When the tears had run their course, she lay in bed quietly, thinking of all they had talked about tonight. She was so glad to know Carrie was doing well. She had eagerly absorbed everything Matthew had told her.

She could hardly believe it when Matthew told her Carrie’s father still believed she and Moses were still on the plantation, along with Ike Adams. He had evidently accepted Carrie’s explanation that she could not send Moses to the city last October because he was needed on the plantation to prepare for this year’s food crops. How long could she get away with what she was doing?

His voice had broken when he said, “Carrie Cromwell made my stay in prison bearable. Her visits and gifts were like a light in the darkness. The food she had Opal bring me was sometimes all that gave us the hope to keep going. We knew there was at least one person who cared about what was going on behind those walls.”

Aunt Abby had listened with tears in her eyes. “What now, Matthew?” she asked.

Matthew shrugged. “I will keep doing what I was doing.

I have my old job back on the paper. This war has just barely begun. I will have my work cut out for me, to try to make sense to the reading public of what is happening in our country. ”

Rose latched onto what he had said. She would continue to work hard, to prepare, so that, when her time was ready, she would be able, by education and caring,

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to make sense out of the world to the scores of blacks who would be suddenly free.

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