Lee started.
"Ruffin—you here?"
"General Lee," he began, "will you hear me for just one moment?"
"Certainly."
Lee sprang to his feet.
"But how did you get into my lines—I thought I was surrounded?"
"I came out of Richmond with General Alexander's rear guard, sir, six days ago."
"Oh, I see."
"Ten years ago, General Lee, in your house, I predicted this war. Last week I saw the city in flames and I hope to God every house was in ashes before that regiment of negro cavalry galloped through its streets."
"I trust not, Ruffin. I left my wife and children there."