She found enclosed a postscript slip for Mr. Grace.
"DEAR SIR: That boy of yours is not badly hurt. He behaved with intelligent courage when for a moment a part of our charging line hesitated. I was proud of him; I have made him a Corporal.
"Yours truly,
"JAMES PENHALLOW."
The order to report to the former counsel of his firm, Secretary Stanton, brought an unhappy Colonel to the War Department. He sent in his card, and was asked to follow an orderly. As he was about to enter the private office of the War Minister, to his amazement Swallow came out. With a curt good morning, Penhallow went by him. The great Secretary rose to greet him, saying, "You are very welcome, Penhallow—never more welcome."
"You look worn out, Stanton," said the Colonel.
"No, not yet; but, my God! Penhallow, my life is one to kill the
toughest. What with army mishaps, inefficiency, contractors backed by
Congressmen—all the scum that war brings to the top. Do you know why
I sent for you?"
"No. It was an order—I ask no questions. I am at your service."
"You were disappointed, of course."
"Yes, I was."