"I don't know!" the major said, with a smile. "He must be quick about it, or it will be too late."
"But is this a final settling of the question, Major
Fairbairn?" I inquired. "That is what I want to know."
"We have been whipped," he said, looking at me.
"Yes, I know; but the North - will they take this as a settlement of the question?"
"The North!" echoed the Major. "Will they give up, you mean?
Not just yet! The Government does not feel like it. Do you?"
"I am so ignorant -" I answered.
"You must be, - pardon my saying so. Not at all. The sting of the whip will make us move faster. Orders are issued already for the reinforcement and reorganisation of the army. General McClellan is to take command here; and we will get things upon a new basis."
"Is McClellan the man we want?" Mrs. Sandford inquired.
"I cannot say. If he is not, we will wait for another."
"You are very cool, Major Fairbairn!" said the lady.