war or its continuance. Someone must do the work I am doing. You're a
bright boy, Lieutenant Mason, and I want you still to bear in mind the
hint that I gave you once in Washington."

"I don't recall it, this instant."

"That to go into business with me is a better trade than fighting."

"I thank you for the offer, but my mind turns in other directions.
I'm not depreciating your occupation, Mr. Watson, but I'm interested in
something else."

"I knew that you were not, Lieutenant Mason. You have too much sense.
Your kind could not fight if my kind did not find the sinews, and after
the war the woods will be full of generals, and colonels and majors who
will be glad to get jobs from men like me."

"I've no doubt of it," said Dick, "but what happened this morning made me
think the war is yet far from over."

"We shall see what we shall see, but if you ever want a friend write to
me in Washington. General delivery, there will do. Good-by."

"Good-by," said Dick, and, as he watched the big man walk away, he felt
that he was beginning to understand him. He had never been interested
greatly in mercantile pursuits. Public and literary life and the soil
were the great things to him. Now he realized that the vast strength
of the North, a strength that could survive any number of defeats, lay
largely in her trade and commerce. The South, almost stationary upon the
soil, had fallen behind, and no amount of skill and courage could save