"Then how does it happen you failed to try for a commission after the war?
You appear to be intelligent, educated ?" The Sergeant smiled.
"Unfortunately my previous service had been performed in the wrong uniform, sir," he said quietly.

"I was in a Texas regiment." There was a moment's silence, during which Travers smoked, and the Major seemed to hesitate.

Finally the latter asked: "What is your name, Sergeant ?" "Hamlin, sir." The pipe came out of Travers' mouth, and he half arose to his feet.
"By all the gods!" he exclaimed.

"That's it! Now I 've got you placed--you 're--you 're 'Brick' Hamlin!" The man unconsciously put one hand to his hair, his eyes laughing.
"Some of the boys call me that--yes," he confessed apologetically.
Travers was on his feet now, gesticulating with his pipe.
"Damn! I knew I'd seen your face somewhere.

It was two years ago at Washita.