"I say it is a king," said Billings. "I got him into the row half an hour ago, and crowned him. You knocked the crown off when you moved."
"I know better," said Shorty. "I've been watching that piece right along, and he's never been nearer the king-row than he is this minute."
A hot discussion ensued. The General forgot him self and joined in in his usual positive, authoritative way.
"I say the man had been crowned. I saw him crowned and the crown afterward knocked off. There's the crown by the side there."
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.