“Yes, sir,” I said, “indeed I do.”
He looked at me with that queer expression of mirth he sometimes has.
“Are these Boston ways, Steve?” he asked. “They're tenacious. I didn't think that any man could travel so close to Sherman and keep 'em.”
“They're unfortunate ways, sir,” I said, “if they lead you to misjudge me.”
He laid his hand on my shoulder, just as he had done at Freeport.
“I know you, Steve,” he said. “I shuck an ear of corn before I buy it. I've kept tab on you a little the last five years, and when I heard Sherman had sent a Major Brice up here, I sent for you.”
What I said was boyish. “I tried very hard to get a glimpse of you to-day, Mr. Lincoln. I wanted to see you again.”
He was plainly pleased.
“I'm glad to hear it, Steve,” he said. “Then you haven't joined the ranks of the grumblers? You haven't been one of those who would have liked to try running this country for a day or two, just to show me how to do it?”
“No, sir,” I said, laughing.