"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.
"Still higher," laughed the General, stepping for ward to where the light fell full on his face. "I'm Maj.-Gen. Rosecrans, commanding this army. But don't be disturbed. You've done nothing. You are all entitled to your opinions, as free American citizens; but I will insist that that man had been in the king row, and should be crowned. But you settle that among yourselves.
"I merely dropped in to compliment you on the skill you have shown in building your house and its comfort. I'm glad to find that it looks even better inside than out. I know that you are good soldiers from the way you take care of yourselves. But so fine a house ought to have a better checker-board than a barrel-head, with grains of corn for men. Who are the owners of the house?"
"Me and him," said Shorty, indicating himself and Si.
"Very good," said the General; "both of you report at my Headquarters to-morrow morning at 10 o'clock. Good night."
"Three cheers and a tiger for Old Rosey," yelled Shorty as soon as he could get his scattered wits together enough to say a word.
They gave three such rousing cheers that the rest of Co. Q came running out of their tents, and joined in cheering, as fast as the news could be communicated to them.