"Not at all," said the doctor; "a good suggestion."
"Why should I go out?" I asked.
"Only to look about you," he replied.
The doctor helped me to my feet. I was surprised to find myself so strong. Dr. Frost took my arm; all of us went out.
I looked around. Near us but little could be seen--only a few fires on the ground. But far off--a mile or so, I don't know--the whole world was shining with fires; long lines of them to the right and the left.
We returned into the tent. Not a word had been spoken.
Captain Haskell now said to me: "Pardon me for now leaving you. Command me, if I can be of any help; I trust you will not think me too bold in advising you to make no hasty decision which you might regret afterward; good-by."
"Good-by, Captain," I replied; "I must trust the doctor."
The Captain's brother lingered. Dr. Frost was busy with him for a while, over some writing; I inferred that the surgeon was making a report. When this matter was ended the doctor said to me, "This officer also is a Captain Haskell; he is assistant adjutant-general of Gregg's brigade, and is a brother of Captain William Haskell."
The adjutant now came nearer and sat by me. "Yes," said he; "but I was in my brother's company at first. We all shall be glad to help you if we can."