It was a time, too, when the distinction between officers and privates in the great citizen armies was not yet sharply defined.

And this young trooper, some spirit of mockery urging him on, stood up and said to his general: "The Yankees didn't seem to be in any hurry to leave Winchester, did they, general ?" Harry drew a quick, sharp breath, and there was a murmur among the officers, but Stonewall Jackson merely turned a tranquil look upon the presumptuous youth.

Then he turned it back to the bed of coals and said in even tones: "Winchester is a pleasant town to stay in, sir." The young cavalryman, not abashed at all, continued: "We heard the Yankees were retreating, but I guess they're retreating after us." Harry half rose and so did several of the older officers, but Jackson replied quietly: "I think I may tell you, young sir, that I am satisfied with the result." The audacity of the youthful trooper could not carry him further.

He caught threatening looks from the officers and slipped away in the darkness.

Silence fell anew around the fire, and Jackson still stood, gazing into the coals.