Harry saluted him and spoke to him gladly. Ewell turned his piercing eyes upon him, hesitated a moment, and then said:
"It's Kenton, young Harry Kenton of Jackson's staff. I remember you in the Valley now. We've lost the great Jackson, but we'll beat the Yankees yet."
Then he let loose a volley of oaths, much after the fashion of the country gentleman of that time, both in America and England. But Harry only smiled.
"I'm to have command of Jackson's old corps, the second," said Ewell, "and if you're not placed I'll be glad to have you on my staff."
"I thank you very much, General," said Harry with great sincerity, "but General Lee has taken me over, because I was with Jackson."
"Then you'll have all the fighting you want," said the indomitable Ewell. "General Lee never hesitates to strike. But don't be the fool that I was and get your leg shot off. If anything has to go, let it be an arm. Look at me. I could ride with any man in all Virginia, a state of horsemen, and now a couple of men have to come and fasten me in the saddle with straps. But never mind."
He rode cheerily on, and Harry, turning back, met St. Clair and Langdon. Both showed a pleased excitement.
"What is it?" asked Harry.
"Colonel Talbot and Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire are at it again, and there have been results!"
"What has happened?"