'What?' he asked.
'This in The Times. They've been cracking you up to the skies.'
'Oh, that,' he replied. 'Yes, I saw it this morning. I see they've made quite a sensational paragraph. I hardly recognize myself.'
As I read the article a second time, I wondered at his indifference. Seldom had such a eulogy appeared in that great newspaper. Evidently the writer had taken considerable pains to get at the facts, and had presented them in glowing colours. There could be no doubt about it that from the standpoint of the Army, his future, if his life was spared, was assured. Not only was he spoken of as a man whose courage was almost unparalleled, but his abilities as a strategist, and his grasp of the broad issues of military affairs were discussed, and recognized in no sparing terms. It seemed impossible that a man who a few months before was a simple private, should now be discussed in such glowing panegyrics.
Greatly elated as I was at the praise bestowed upon my friend, I little realized what it would mean to him during the next few hours.
CHAPTER XXXII
THE GREAT MEETING
'Can't we go down to Devonshire to-night?' cried Edgecumbe, as our train reached London.
'Impossible, my dear fellow,' I replied.
'But why not?' and I could see by the wild longing look in his eyes what he was thinking of.