.

THE MESSENGER.
Victory, overwhelming and complete, had been won, but General Thomas could not follow into the deep mountains where his army might be cut off.

So he remained where he was for a little while and on the second day he sent for Dick.
The general was seated alone in a tent, an open end of which faced a fire, as it was now extremely cold.

General Thomas had shown no undue elation over his victory.

He was as silent as ever, and now, as always, he made upon Dick the impression of strength and indomitable courage.
"Sit down," he said, waving his hand toward a camp stool.
Dick, after saluting, sat down in silence.
"I hear," said the general, "that you behaved very well in the battle, and that you are a lad of courage and intelligence.