Hugh and Rocket! They had been in many battles, and neither shot nor
shell had harmed them until to-day, when Hugh had received the charge
which sent him reeling from his horse, breaking his arm in the field,
and scarcely conscious that two of his comrades were leading him from
the field. How or by what means he afterward reached the woods, he did
not know, but reach them he had, and unable to travel farther, he had
fallen to the ground, where he lay, until Rocket came galloping near,
riderless, frightened, and looking for his master. With a cry of joy
the noble brute answered that master's faint whistle, bounding at once
to his side, and by many mute but meaning signs, signifying his desire
that Hugh should mount as heretofore.
But Hugh was too weak for that, and after several ineffectual efforts to
rise, fell back half fainting on the turf; while Rocket took his stand
directly over him, a powerful and efficient guard until help from some
quarter should arrive. Patiently, faithfully he stood, waiting as
quietly as if he knew that aid was coming, not far away, in the form of
an old man, whose hair was white as snow, and whose steps were feeble
with age, but who had the advantage of knowing every inch of that
ground, for he had trodden it many a time, with a homesick heart which
pined for "old Kentuck," whence he had been stolen.
Uncle Sam! He it was whose uncertain steps made Rocket prick up his ears
and listen, neighing at last a neigh of welcome, by which he, too, was
recognized.
"De dear Father be praised if that be'nt Rocket hisself. I've found him,
I've found my Massah Hugh. I tole Miss Ellis I should, 'case I knows all
de way. Dear Massuh Hugh, I'se Sam, I is," and with a convulsive sob the
old negro knelt beside the white-faced man, who but for this timely aid
could hardly have survived that fearful night.