“Cose, Mis’ Gerald might’ nigh had a fit w’en dey tuck me, an’ he say he kain run de place widout me.
But Miss Ellen she say:
‘Tek him, Mist’ Kennedy.
De Confedrutsy need Big Sam mo’ dan us do.’
An’ she gib me a dollar an’ tell me ter do jes’ whut de w'ite gempmums tell me.
So hyah us is.”
“What does it all mean, Captain Randall?”
“Oh, it’s quite simple.
We have to strengthen the fortifications of Atlanta with more miles of rifle pits, and the General can’t spare any men from the front to do it.
So we’ve been impressing the strongest bucks in the countryside for the work.”
“But—”
A cold little fear was beginning to throb in Scarlett’s breast.
More miles of rifle pits!
Why should they need more?
Within the last year, a series of huge earth redoubts with battery emplacements had been built all around Atlanta, one mile from the center of town.
These great earth-works were connected with rifle pits and they ran, mile after mile, completely encircling the city.
More rifle pits!
“But—why should we be fortified any more than we are already fortified?
We won’t need what we’ve got.
Surely, the General won’t let—”
“Our present fortifications are only a mile from town,” said Captain Randall shortly.
“And that’s too close for comfort—or safety.
These new ones are going to be farther away.
You see, another retreat may bring our men into Atlanta.”
Immediately he regretted his last remark, as her eyes widened with fear.
“But, of course there won’t be another retreat,” he added hastily.
“The lines around Kennesaw Mountain are impregnable.
The batteries are planted all up the mountain sides and they command the roads, and the Yankees can’t possibly get by.”
But Scarlett saw him drop his eyes before the lazy, penetrating look Rhett gave him, and she was frightened.
She remembered Rhett’s remark:
“When the Yankees push him out of the mountains and onto the flatter land, he’ll be butchered.”
“Oh, Captain, do you think—”
“Why, of course not!
Don’t fret your mind one minute.
Old Joe just believes in taking precautions.
That’s the only reason we’re digging more entrenchments... But I must be going now. It’s been pleasant, talking to you... Say good-by to your mistress, boys, and let’s get going.”
“Good-by, boys.
Now, if you get sick or hurt or in trouble, let me know.
I live right down Peachtree Street, down there in almost the last house at the end of town.
Wait a minute—” She fumbled in her reticule.
“Oh, dear, I haven’t a cent.
Rhett, give me a few shinplasters.
Here, Big Sam, buy some tobacco for yourself and the boys.
And be good and do what Captain Randall tells you.”
The straggling line re-formed, the dust arose again in a red cloud as they moved off and Big Sam started up the singing again.
“Go do-ow, Mos-es!
Waaa-ay, do-own, in Eeejup laa-an!
An’ te-el O-le Faa-ro-o Ter let mah—peee-pul go!”
“Rhett, Captain Randall was lying to me, just like all the men do-trying to keep the truth from us women for fear we’ll faint.
Or was he lying?