"It was a difficult duty and you did it well. I found that you got
through safely. I made inquiries about you and I traced you as far as
Shiloh, but I could get no further."

"I was at Shiloh," said Dick proudly. "I was captured just before it
began, but I escaped while it was at its height and fought until the
close."

"And after that?"

"My regiment was sent east, sir. I went with it through the Second
Manassas and Antietam. Then we came back west to help General Buell.
I was at Perryville and was wounded there, but I soon got well."

"Perryville was a terrible battle. It was short, but it is incredible
with what fury the troops fought. We should do better here."

Dick saw that the last sentence which was spoken in a low tone was not
addressed to him. It was merely a murmured expression of the general's
own thoughts, and he remained silent.

"You can go now, Lieutenant Mason," said General Thomas, after a few
moments, "and let us together wish for the best."

"Thank you, sir," said Dick, highly flattered again. Then he saluted and
retired.

He rode back somewhat slowly through the cedars, but he kept a wary eye.
The enemy's cavalry was daring, and he might be rushed by them at any