"You are, sir, and the gentleman on my right is the second in command
of this regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Hector St. Hilaire, a most noble
gentleman and valiant and skillful officer. We have met you before,
sir. You saved us before Bull Run when we were beleaguered at a fort
in the Valley."

"Ah, I remember!" exclaimed Stuart. "And a most gallant fight you were
making. And I recognize this young officer, too. He was the messenger
who met me in the fields. Your hand, Mr. Kenton."

He stretched out his own hand in its long yellow buckskin glove, and
Harry, flushing with pride, shook it warmly.

"It's good of you, General," he said, "to remember me."

"I'm glad to remember you and all like you. Is General Jackson near?"

"About a quarter of a mile farther back, sir. I'm a member of his staff,
and I'll ride with you to him."

"Thanks. Lead the way."

Harry turned with Stuart and Sherburne and they soon reached General
Jackson, who was plodding slowly on Little Sorrel, his chin sunk upon
his breast as usual, the lines of thought deep in his face. General
Stuart bowed low before him and the plumed hat was lifted high. The
knight paid deep and willing deference to the Puritan.

Jackson's face brightened. He wished plain apparel upon himself,