Major Bliss glanced up at my entrance, with deep-set eyes hidden beneath bushy-gray eyebrows, his smooth-shaven face appearing almost youthful in contrast to a wealth of gray hair.

A veteran of the old war, and a strict disciplinarian, inclined to be austere, his smile of welcome gave me instantly a distinct feeling of relief.
"How long have you been here at Armstrong, Lieutenant ?" he questioned, toying with an official-looking paper in his hands.
"Only about three weeks, sir.

I came north on the _Enterprise_, with dispatches from General Gaines." "I remember; you belong to the Fifth, and, without orders, I promptly dragooned you into garrison service." His eyes laughed.

"Only sorry I cannot hold you any longer." "I do not understand, sir." "Yet I presume you have learned that the _Wanderer_ stopped here for an hour last night on its way north to Prairie du Chien ?" "Captain Thockmorton just informed me." "But you received no mail ?" "No, sir; or, rather, I have not been at the office to inquire.

Was there mail for me ?" "That I do not know; only I have received a communication relating to you.