"Keep up a brave heart, mother. It can't last much longer; and truly, truly I believe that Roy is quite safe. Kiss yourself for your eldest and loving son,
"Beverly."
CHAPTER XXII.
"Thy brother's blood the thirsty earth hath drank."
Shakespeare.
When Griffith reported at the White House, the President expressed himself as entirely satisfied. "You have done all I asked;" he said. "The maps sent, so far, are wonderfully fine and accurate, I can see that, and now that you have left a man who is able and willing to take your place, that is all I ask. If he should fail us I will send for you again; but I hope I shall not need to do that. If he is faithful, you have, indeed, done your whole duty, nobly. I thank you! I thank you! You are a silent hero—a war hero in times of peace and a peace hero in times of war! I am glad you can go home now. I—I happened to read—I always notice your name, now when I see it and—"
Griffith looked at him steadily. There was evidently something bearing on the mind of the President which had to do with Griffith. Mr. Lincoln was moving toward the table. "Have you read—I suppose you have not seen the papers lately?"
"Nothing," Griffith said, shaking his head. "What is the news, Mr. Lincoln?"
"Glorious news! A great victory at Shiloh! A great victory; but—"