"Of course, of course," the General answered, laughing. "Yes, Company B is in the fight. All right, my boy, all right. We'll send you there—for experience!—and then North you go and learn the business of being an officer."
"Thank you, sir."
The interview was at an end. They stood up and shook hands. Tom suddenly remembered Star. "By the way, sir," he said. "A private doesn't generally have a Kentucky thoroughbred, does he?"
"Not generally."
"Well, sir, I have one, but I guess the time for Star and me to part has
come. Will you take it? The person who gave Star to me is a good
Northerner. The … the person would be proud to have the horse ridden by a
General."
"Do you think that the person"—the General smiled—"would be any prouder to have a General riding the horse than she—pardon me!—than to have you riding it?"
"I don't know, sir," replied Tom, with a grin. "But I know she'll be mighty proud just the same."
"All right, my boy." The General called one of his aides and instructed him to see that Tom reached Company B. They shook hands again and Tom walked out of the headquarters building to find Bert waiting for him. The railroad raid had ended.