"I reckon," he began slowly, with a slightly patronizing air, "that we'd
have met, sooner or later, at Washington, or at Grant's headquarters,
for Hooker, Meacham & Co. go everywhere, and are about as well known as
major-generals, to say nothin'," he went on, with a sidelong glance at
Brant's shoulder-straps, "of brigadiers; and it's rather strange--only,
of course, you're kind of fresh in the service--that you ain't heard of
me afore."
"But I'm very glad to hear of you now, Jim," said Brant, smiling,
"and from your own lips--which I am also delighted to find," he added
mischievously, "are still as frankly communicative on that topic as of
old. But I congratulate you, old fellow, on your good fortune. When did
you leave the stage?"
Mr. Hooker frowned slightly.
"I never was really on the stage, you know," he said, waving his hand
with assumed negligence. "Only went on to please my wife. Mrs. Hooker
wouldn't act with vulgar professionals, don't you see! I was really
manager most of the time, and lessee of the theatre. Went East when
the war broke out, to offer my sword and knowledge of Ingin fightin' to
Uncle Sam! Drifted into a big pork contract at St. Louis, with Fremont.
Been at it ever since.
Pages:
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137