the bulk of the army had already passed and saw swarms of stragglers
ahead of them. Journalists and public men met them, and Dick now
learned how the truth about Bull Run had come to the capital. The
news of defeat had been the more bitter, because already they had been
rejoicing there over success. As late as five o'clock in the afternoon
the telegraph had informed Washington of victory. Then, after a long
wait, had come the bitter despatch telling of defeat, and flying
fugitives arriving in the night had exaggerated it tenfold.

The division to which Dick, Warner, and Whitley belonged marched over
the Long Bridge and camped near the capital where they would remain
until sent on further service. Dick now saw that the capital was in no
danger. Troops were pouring into it by every train from the north and
west. All they needed was leadership and discipline. Bull Run had
stung, but it did not daunt them and they asked to be led again against
the enemy. They heard that Lincoln had received the news of the defeat
with great calmness, and that he had spent most of a night in his office
listening to the personal narratives of public men who had gone forth
to see the battle, and who at its conclusion had left with great speed.

"Lots of people have laughed at Abe Lincoln an' have called him only
a rail-splitter," said Whitley, "but I heard him two or three times,
when he was campaignin' in Illinois, an' I tell you he's a man."

"He was born in my state," said Dick, "and I mean to be proud of him.
He'll have support, too. Look how the country is standing by him!"

More than once in the succeeding days Dick Mason's heart thrilled at
the mighty response that came to the defeat of Bull Run. The stream of
recruits pouring into the capital never ceased. He now saw men, and