“Yes, indeed. Didn’t they tell you?”
Douglas shook his head; tears were in his eyes.
“They’re loyal fellows,” Harrison continued feelingly; “they would give their lives for you, at any time.”
“I know,” Douglas answered chokingly. “I’ve four good friends, at least, General Harrison—yourself, my two old comrades, and my dog. I’ve had a varied experience in the last eighteen months. I’ve endured much——”
“And all for your country’s sake,” the general interrupted. “You have suffered mentally and physically.”
Douglas remained silent and Harrison continued:
“And the worst is not come. But we’ll go on to the glorious end.”
“Yes,” was the firm reply.
“Yes,” the commander went on, “all of us have made sacrifices for home and country. But opposition will not appal us; defeat will not discourage us. We are Americans. This exacting service, with its suspense—its disappointments, is calculated to discourage and unnerve. But, pshaw!”—with a light laugh—“of what am I talking? We’re American patriots—we can stand anything.”