"I can't spare this man—he fights!"
The Senator submitted the proofs that Grant was addicted to the use of strong drink and that he was under the influence of whiskey on the first day of the battle of Shiloh.
In vain Winter stormed and threatened for an hour. The President was adamant.
He didn't know Grant personally. But he had felt the grip of his big personality on the men under his command and he refused to let him go.
He turned to his tormentor at last with a quizzical look in his eye:
"You know, Winter, that reminds me of a little story——"
The Senator threw up both hands with a gesture of rage. He knew what the wily diplomat was up to.
"I won't hear it, sir," he growled. "I won't hear it. You and your stories are sending this country to hell—it's not more than a mile from there now!"
The sombre eyes smiled as he slowly said:
"I believe it is just a mile from here to the Senate Chamber!"