And now again, boys, to the honor of the regiment!" Out of the buzz of conversation and the hearty words of congratulation, Hamlin emerged bewildered, finding himself again facing Custer, whose manner had as swiftly changed into the brusque note of command.
"I have met you before, Sergeant," he said slowly, "before your assignment to the Seventh, I think.

I am not sure where; were you in the Shenandoah ?" "I was, sir." "At Winchester ?" "I saw you first at Cedar Creek, General Custer; I brought a flag." "That's it; I have the incident clearly before me now.

You were a lieutenant-colonel ?" "Of the Fourth Texas, sir." "Exactly; I think I heard later--but never mind that now.

Sheridan remembers you; he even mentioned your name to me a few weeks ago.

No doubt that was what caused me to recognize your face again after all these years.