"Adjutant, that is a natural impulse of the human heart. But this is not your only motive?" The captain fixed a piercing look upon him. He bent his head for a moment and was silent. At that instant the band struck up the Star-Spangled Banner.
"No!" cried the adjutant, springing to his feet. "That is not my only motive. I thought you knew me better. It is true I love my father and my mother, my brothers and sisters, and it would gratify my pride if I could return home after this war is over, an acknowledged hero; but, I love my country, and while I enjoy the self-satisfaction derived from great deeds, I desire my country should derive all the benefits. It may be passion with me—this love of country—but I trust it is principle. My fathers fought, and I should hate myself if I had so far degenerated as to fight from selfish motives, or fear to fight. From youth I have dreamed of battle-fields, and glory for myself, never thinking it would be in this, our own America, that my first battle would be fought. But it is so, and my manhood views differ somewhat from those of childhood. Now I long for the battle-field, and my country's glory!"
"I have no doubt of your loyalty, Harry," replied the captain. "Neither do I doubt your love for your friends and your country. But you have just returned from the camp of Price, and, if I mistake not, you love that camp."
Harry did not reply. The two other officers gazed upon the adjutant with a look of surprise, and then turning to the captain, one of them said:
"Love for the camp of Price!"
"Oh don't be alarmed, gentlemen. You know the good book tells us that where the treasure is, there the heart will be."
"These are strange words; however, explain."
"Why, can you not guess?"
"Relatives there!"
"No! that is, not at present. How soon a relative may be there is quite another thing."