now again, boys, to the honor of the regiment!"

Out of the buzz of conversation and the hearty words of congratulation,
Hamlin emerged bewildered, finding himself again facing Custer, whose
manner had as swiftly changed into the brusque note of command.

"I have met you before, Sergeant," he said slowly, "before your
assignment to the Seventh, I think. I am not sure where; were you in
the Shenandoah?"

"I was, sir."

"At Winchester?"

"I saw you first at Cedar Creek, General Custer; I brought a flag."

"That's it; I have the incident clearly before me now. You were a
lieutenant-colonel?"

"Of the Fourth Texas, sir."

"Exactly; I think I heard later--but never mind that now. Sheridan
remembers you; he even mentioned your name to me a few weeks ago. No
doubt that was what caused me to recognize your face again after all
these years. How long have you been in our service?"

"Ever since the war closed."

For a moment the two men looked into each others' faces, the commander
smiling, the enlisted man at respectful attention.