“Very.”
“But he appears to feel a deep interest in the moral welfare of those under his command. He expressed himself as very averse to habits of intemperance.”
“Humph!” coughed the major.
“He said that whiskey was the great enemy the army has to contend against, and intends to issue a general order directed at the vice of intemperance.”
“Did he?”
“He did; but I ought to add, that he took me to be a major in the service; a mistake which was very natural, since I wore no coat.”
“Very natural—after dinner,” replied Major Platner suggestively.
“I told him I never drank any strong drink; and he kindly advised me never to do so.”
“The general is a brave man, and I hope he will be able to overcome all his enemies.”
The major permitted the conversation to go by default, and Somers respectfully dropped a pace or two behind him. They reached the brigade headquarters, and then repaired to the guard tent, from which the scout took his departure upon his arduous and difficult mission, with the best wishes of the rebel officers.