"So you regard the war as won?" asked Dick, who had a great respect for
Shepard's opinion.

"If the President keeps General Grant in command, as he will, it's a
certainty, but it will take a long time yet. We can't force those
trenches down there. Remember what Cold Harbor cost us."

Dick shuddered.

"I remember it," he said.

"It would be worse if we tried to storm Lee's lines. After Cold Harbor
the general won't attempt it, and I see a long wait here. But we can
afford it. The South grows steadily weaker. Our blockade clamps like a
steel band, and presses tighter and tighter all the time. Food is scarce
in the Confederacy. So is ammunition. They receive no recruits, and
every day the army of Lee is smaller in numbers than it was the day
before."

"You go into Richmond, Mr. Shepard. I've heard from high officers that
you do. How do they feel there with our army only about twenty miles
away?"

"They're quiet and seem to be confident, but I believe they know their
danger."

"Have you by any chance seen or heard of my cousin, Harry Kenton, who is
a lieutenant on the staff of the Southern commander-in-chief?"