“Did you wish to see me, General?” he asked.
“No! I’m looking for a man—a Union soldier not a turkey buzzard!” He dashed up to the clerk’s desk.
“Is Major Grant in his room?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Tell him I want to see him.”
“What can I do for you, General Worth?” asked the Major as he hastened to meet him.
“Major Grant, I understand you are a lawyer. You are a man of principle, or you wouldn’t have fought. When I meet a man that fought us I know I am talking to a man, not a skunk. This greasy sanctified Bureau Agent, has decided that I owe my hands fifteen hundred dollars. He knows it’s a lie. But his power is absolute. I have no appeal to a court. He has all the negroes under his thumb and he is simply arranging to steal this money. I want to pay you a hundred dollars as a retainer and have you settle with the Lord’s anointed, the Rev. Ezra Perkins for me.”
“With pleasure, General. And it shall not cost you a cent.”
“I’ll be glad to pay you, Major. Such a decision enforced against me now would mean absolute ruin. I can’t borrow another cent.”
“Leave Ezra with me.”