“I shall certainly do so. But I know my friend could not have been promoted without the good word which you have spoken for him.”
“Well, it is all right, captain. Major de Banyan is a brave fellow. He has done you a good turn; and I waylaid this document so as to afford you the pleasure of being the first to address him by his new title.”
“Thank you, general.”
“And, captain, if you could prevail on the major to be a little more reasonable in some of the lies he tells, his reputation for veracity would be improved.”
“I will endeavor to do so.”
The general bade the invalid a hearty and even affectionate adieu; and they did not meet again till they grasped hands on the bloody field of Antietam, where Somers acted in a new sphere of duty. No sooner had the general departed, than Somers, inspired to new vigor by the joyful event which had just transpired, hastened to the camp of the regiment.
“Ah, Somers; my dear boy! how are you now?” said his friend as he seized his hand.
“Better, I thank you, Major de Banyan.”
“Come, now, Somers, that is cruel! A friend of mine, just before the battle of Solferino——”
“Confound the battle of Solferino, Major de Banyan!”