Dick was present at the interview and it was characteristic.
"If you leave, what of your regiment, Colonel Winchester ?" said General Buell.
"I shall certainly rejoin it in time for battle." "Suppose the enemy should prevent you ?" "He cannot do so." "I remember you at Shiloh.

You did good work there." "Thank you, sir." "And this lad, Lieutenant Mason, he has also done well.

But he is young." "I can vouch for him, sir." "Then take twenty of your bravest and most intelligent men and ride toward Frankfort.

It may be that we shall have to take a part in this inauguration, which I hear is scheduled for to-morrow." "It may be so, sir," said Colonel Winchester, returning General Buell's grim smile.

Then he and Dick saluted and withdrew.
But it did not take the colonel long to make his preparations.