I heard something about your being in disgrace, but
the story was that you were sweet on some secesh girl down there, and
neglected your business, Kla'uns. But, Lordy! to think it was only your
own wife! Never mind; we'll straighten that out. We've had worse jobs
than that on. Why, there was that commissary who was buying up dead
horses at one end of the field, and selling them to the Government for
mess beef at the other; and there was that general who wouldn't make
an attack when it rained; and the other general--you know who I mean,
Kla'uns--who wouldn't invade the State where his sister lived; but we
straightened them out, somehow, and they were a heap worse than you.
We'll get you a position in the war department here, one of the bureau
offices, where you keep your rank and your uniform--you don't look bad
in it, Kla'uns--on better pay. And you'll come and see me, and we'll
talk over old times."
Brant felt his heart turn sick within him. But he was at her mercy now!
He said, with an effort,--
"But I've told you that my career--nay, my LIFE--now is in the field."
"Don't you be a fool, Kla'uns, and leave it there! You have done your
work of fighting--mighty good fighting, too,--and everybody knows it.
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