“Certainly; you will want one. All great men have one.”
“And you would put a pair of socks on it?”
“Certainly; that’s the idea. But where are we going, Somers?”
“To the Hasbrouk mansion; and we are nearly there,” replied the sick man.
Somers had chosen this place on account of its retired situation, and because he could think of no other suitable house to be sick in. In spite of his cheerful nature, he had some dismal forebodings in regard to the future. Nothing but the inspiration of his lively companion’s presence kept him from sinking under the pain and weakness which assailed him. On the road, by the prudent counsels of his friend, he had stopped several times to rest and refresh himself. He had never felt so weak and shattered before, and he feared it would be many a long day before he was able again to take his place on the staff of the general, or in the line of his regiment.
In the middle of the afternoon, while the guns were still thundering at Antietam, the little party reached the Hasbrouk mansion. Major de Banyan took upon himself the whole charge of gaining admission; and, with his usual bold front, he entered without knocking. The family, which had left the house while hostilities were in progress around it, had now returned. Alick took the horses, and Somers followed the major into the mansion. To the surprise of both they were immediately confronted by Maud, who had moved her patients to her own home, when the battle commenced, early in the morning.
De Banyan politely stated his business, at the same time acting as though his stay was a settled thing, whether the family were willing or not.
“We cannot accommodate you, sir,” replied Maud, as haughtily as though she had been the queen of “my Maryland.”
“Sorry for it, miss; but I shall be obliged to take possession.”
“We have three wounded officers here now,” added she.