Shorty's wrath rose. "I told you when you come in here," he said sharply, "not to mix into this game. You've got no business in it. Keep your advice till it's asked for, or git out o' the tent. If you don't git out I'll put you out."
"Be careful, my man," said the General, speaking in his usual way. "You are talking to an officer."
"I don't care if you are a Lieutenant or a Captain, even," Si chimed in; "you have no business mixing in a quiet little game o' checkers between enlisted men."
"I am more than a Captain," said the General, opening his overcoat slightly, to show his double dow of buttons.
"Dern' a Major or a Colonel don't make it much better," said Si, obdurately, but with much more respect.
"I'm higher than a Colonel," said the General, amusedly, and opening his overcoat a little farther.
"Excuse us, General," they all murmured, rising to their feet, and taking the position of a soldier.
"You don't command our brigade, do you?" said Shorty, trying to get a better view of his face.
"I command this brigade, and several others," said the General, smilingly enjoying their confusion.
"Lord, a Major-General commanding a corps," gasped Shorty, backing up with the rest into line, and saluting with the profoundest respect.