Sergeant: Yes, think of his being blamed for that rowdy crowd breaking into the storehouse and drinking up all the whiskey. He didn't know a thing about it until it was all over.
Lieutenant (walking up and down): Yes, but you see that's the way things go; he's at the head of the company and he just has to stand the blame for all their meannesses. I should think they'd be a little careful of their doings for they all like him, or seem to, anyway.
Sergeant: You see, they just didn't think, that's the trouble with them.
Lieutenant: Perhaps they'll be more careful after this, that is if they like him as well as they pretend to.
Sergeant (jumping up): Oh, that's all real; they like him, you can depend on that. Didn't you ever hear how he came to be captain?
Lieutenant: No, I have often wondered about it, for he's young for that position. Tell me all about it if you can. (Seats himself on ground near door of tent.)
Sergeant: Well, it was this way; it's not a very long story, but I might as well sit down. (Sits on other side of door.) You see, there were two fellows put up: Kirkpatrick and Lincoln. The vote was taken in a field, by directing the fellows at the command "march," to gather around the one they wanted for captain. The other fellow was a good deal older than Lincoln and I s'pose most folks would say he was better fitted to be captain, but's sure's you live a good big majority went over to Lincoln's side. And I never saw a fellow so tickled as Lincoln was! (Slapping his knee with his right hand.)
Lieutenant: Well, now, they ought to stand by him and not cut up any more rowdy tricks, to have him disgraced by wearing a wooden sword. Better talk to them just as soon as you get a chance.
Sergeant: I will, sir, that I will. (Enter Private Dunn at left. He comes down and salutes.)