"Begin and never cease," sang the singer to the end.
When the strain died away, there was dead silence for a little space, and then the talk began on a lower key.
The General stood for a moment, then turned from the window, finished his letter and sealed it. Carefully folding up the little sheet which lay before him, he replaced it in his pocket, and, going to the door, summoned the orderly who was just without.
"Mail that at once," he said.
"Yes, sir." The soldier saluted and turned to leave.
"By the way, who was that singing out there just now?—I mean that last one, who sang 'Dixie' and the hymn?"
"Only a pedler, sir, I believe."
The General's eyes fixed themselves on the soldier.
"Where did he come from?"
"I don't know, sir. Some of the boys had him singing."