"Come, report, report," cried several voices; "where have you been?"
"In Virginia."
"Why, of course, fellows, he's been arranging the change of base with McClellan, only the army went south and he came north."
"I've been farther south than any of you."
"See here, Strahan, this uniform is rather new for a veteran's."
"Yes; never dealt in old clothes."
"Where's your command?"
"Here, if you'll all enlist. I think I could make soldiers of some of you."
"Why, fellows, what a chance for us! If Strahan can't teach us the etiquette of war, who can?"
"Yes, gentlemen; and I will give you the first rule in advance.
Always face the music."