human
Here, Emma, he observed,
gpt
Thank you, she answered, looking at Elsy.
human
This is really a nice looking girl. Who did you buy her from?
gpt
She says she is from New Orleans. Her master is a prisoner in the hands of the Yankees, and her mistress being turned out of her home by Butler, is now somewhere in the Confederacy, but where, the girl cannot tell. When her mistress left New Orleans, the Yankees would not permit the slave to leave with her, but she succeeded in escaping from their lines, and came to Jackson, where she was arrested, and as no owner claimed her, she was sold to me at auction this morning according to law.
human
Then we will not be doing justice to the owner of the girl, if we keep her constantly. Perhaps her mistress is some poor soldier's wife who would be glad to get the money you have expended, or may require her services.
gpt
I have thought of that before I purchased her, but as she seems honest, I did not make the thought prevent me from getting her. I have also made up my mind to give her up should her owner at any time claim her, and he is a poor man.
human
I am glad you have so decided, Emily replied,
gpt
she continued, speaking to Elsy,
human
I have some news for you, Emily,
gpt
What is it about,
human
Something that will interest you considerably,
gpt
If it will interest me, let me know what it is,
human
I have received a telegraphic dispatch from Harry,
gpt
Why, how could he have arrived in our lines?
human
Here is what the dispatch says:
gpt
I arrived here this morning, having escaped from prison. Will be in Jackson on to-morrow's train. Show this to Emily.
human
I am so glad, exclaimed Emily joyfully, as soon as her father had concluded reading the dispatch,
gpt
she continued,
human
I was beginning to be afraid that our unfortunate prisoners in the hands of the Yankees, would never be exchanged.
gpt
You need not have labored under any such fear, Dr. Humphries observed.
human
The papers of this morning announce that a cartel has been arranged, and the prisoners held on both sides will be shortly exchanged.
gpt
Nevertheless, I am glad that Harry has made his escape, for it will bring him to us sooner than we anticipated. Besides which, it is gratifying to know that he had no occasion to wait for an exchange.
human
That is very true replied her father,
gpt
He is safe, and we can well afford to laugh at them, she answered,
human
I do not believe he will relish the idea, much less the reality of such a thing again occurring, observed Dr. Humphries.
gpt
However, he continued,