But time pressed, and he had to say what was
uppermost in his mind. It ran as follows:
"I don't know how to write so as to give my words weight. I cannot
come home; I will not come as long as mother and the children can
get on without me. And men are needed here; men are needed. The
general fairly pleads with the soldiers to stay. Stokes would stay
if he could. We're almost driving him home. I know you will be
kind to him, and remember he has few to care for him. I cannot
speak for myself in person very soon, if ever. Perhaps I could not
if I stood before you. You laugh at me; but if you knew how I love
you and remember you, how I honor and almost worship you in my
heart, you might understand me better. Why is it strange I should
be afraid of you? Only God has more power over me than you. Will
you be my wife? I will do anything to win you that YOU can ask.
Others will plead with you in person. Will you let this letter
plead for the absent?"
Zeb went to the captain's quarters and got some wax with which to
seal this appeal, then saw Stokes depart with the feeling that his
destiny was now at stake.
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