“The same, my boy,” replied the major, familiarly. “Ride on, and I will go with you a short distance, to hear the news. They say Reno was killed.”
“I am sorry to say it is true,” replied Somers, coldly.
“He was a brave fellow, and a splendid soldier. You must have had a warm time over there.”
“Rather.”
“You are tired, arn’t you, old fellow? Can’t you talk?”
“Not much to you,” answered Somers, bluntly.
“To me? Why, what the dickens is the matter?” demanded the major, with apparent surprise.
“The matter, indeed! How does it happen that you are here?”
“Why shouldn’t I be here, old boy?”
“After the affair of yesterday—”