"I'm very much obliged to you, sir," he said. "I'm Colonel Stoneman, an old soldier."
The Mississippian stretched forth his hand.
"My name is Langdon, sir—Senator Langdon of Mississippi. I am an old soldier, too."
"Delighted, Senator," exclaimed the seedy-looking old man, taking the offered hand gratefully.
Langdon's easy method of making friends was well illustrated as he clapped his new companion on the back. Everybody he met was the Mississippian's friend until he had proved himself the contrary. That had been his rule through life.
"Come right over, Colonel; have a cigar, sir." Then, as they lighted their cigars, he inquired, "What army corps were you with, Colonel?"
"I was under Grant along the Tennessee," replied the old G.A.R. man.
Familiarity with a Senator was something new for him, and already he was straightening up and becoming more of a man every moment. Langdon was thoroughly interested.
"I was along the Tennessee under Beauregard," he said.
"Great generals, sir! Great generals!" exclaimed Colonel Stoneman.