"A second lieutenant in temporary command, General." "You have commanded men?"
"Not in action, sir. I felt that that was different."
"Couldn't they do better for you than a second-lieutenancy?"
Stephen did not reply at once, Mr. Brinsmade spoke up, "They offered him a lieutenant-colonelcy."
The General was silent a moment: Then he said "Do you remember meeting me on the boat when I was leaving St. Louis, after the capture of Fort Henry?"
Stephen smiled. "Very well, General," he replied, General Sherman leaned forward.
"And do you remember I said to you, 'Brice, when you get ready to come into this war, let me know.' Why didn't you do it?"
Stephen thought a minute. Then he said gravely, but with just a suspicion of humor about his mouth:— "General, if I had done that, you wouldn't be here in my tent to-day."
Like lightning the General was on his feet, his hand on Stephen's shoulder.
"By gad, sir," he cried, delighted, "so I wouldn't."