's capabilities of "managing the Colonel."

"Doan you-uns be frettin'," he whispered one night when his own heart
was like lead in his body; "you kin jes' keep on a-smilin' an'
a-smilin'--I 'low I can take care ob de Colonel. Dat hill gets de best
ob me, jes' fur de minute, but you min' I'm a-thinkin' 'bout dat ar
hill! I'se goin' git de bes' ob dat der hill, yit!"

One hot day when G. W. had smothered as usual his loathing for his
limit, and followed at a respectful distance the tall, well-beloved
figure of his Colonel, he had a hard fit of sighing. "I reckon if de
Colonel knew 'bout how I is feelin' dis minute," he said, wiping the
perspiration from his face, "he'd jes' holler back 'howdy' ter me." But
the Colonel not knowing of the faithful little henchman's nearness, sent
back no word of loving cheer--did not once turn.

The two were plodding along the road called the Santiago Road at the
time, and the long strides of the officer presently put him beyond G.
W.'s vision.

Suddenly G. W. sighed aloud. "He's gone!" There was a break in the soft
voice. "I clar ter goodness, he's always gone! I'm bressed if I doan't
wish de war would come an' be done wid! Dese days done w'ar me to
frazzles!"

A low, deep, rumbling sound made G. W. start. By instinct, he crouched
under some nearby bushes.

"What's dat?" he muttered, his eyes growing round and full of inquiry.
"Dat ain't thunder!" The ominous, threatening sounds were drawing
nearer, approaching over the road along which he had come, and along
which he must return to camp.

"Lawd!" gasped G. W.; "jes' 'spose dat is war a-comin' an' a-ketchin' me
alone by myself; good Lawd!" The small face became terror-stricken. He
clutched his hands in the pockets of his trousers.

The rumble grew louder. Suddenly the sun flashed upon a strange object
being drawn up the rough trail.

"Cannoneers, forward!" came a full loud cry that echoed and re-echoed in
G. W.'s brain. Then the boy perceived, as far as his gaze could travel,
soldiers and cannon filling the familiar road. He forgot his terror, and
thrilled and palpitated as he gazed from his leaf-covered hiding-spot.

Then a new thought made him reel backward. Was the entire American army
marching away from camp, leaving him behind who was bound to return
there?

The Colonel had left no orders for him; and the hill stood, as ever,
between him and any following of the soldiers. Then came a thought that
relieved him--there woul