"That's pretty bitter," said Harry, "but it must have been written
before the Seven Days. You notice what the author says about waiting
for May-day."

"Likely enough you're right, but it applies just the same or they
wouldn't be reprinting it in their newspapers. Some of them claim a
victory over us at Antietam, and nearly all are angry at McClellan
because he wouldn't follow us into Virginia. They think he ought to
have crossed the Potomac after us and smashed us."

"He might have got smashed himself."

"Which people are likely to debate all through this generation and the
next. But they're bitter against McClellan, although he's done better
than any other Yankee general in the east. Just listen to this verse,
will you?

"Suppose for a moment, George, my friend,
Just for a moment you condescend
To use the means that are in your hands
The eager muskets and guns and brands;
Take one bold step on the Southern sod,
And leave the issue to watchful God!
For now the nation raises its gorge,
Waiting and watching you, Tardy George."

Harry carefully folded up the paper and put it back in his pocket.
The contrast between these verses and the song that he had just heard
ten thousand men sing, as they whirled around Stonewall Jackson's