But he had been forgotten, and he knew it was natural that he should be.

His fate was but a trifle in the mighty event that was passing.

There was no time for any one in the Southern army to bother about him.
Then he understood too, that he was free.

The whole Orphan Brigade had passed on into the red heart of the battle, and had left him there alone.

Now his mind leaped out of its paralysis.