I refused to take orders from the upstart who
commanded our brigade."
"And what happened?" the calm voice asked.
"He dared to threaten my life, sir!"
"Who was he?"
"A Colonel in command of our brigade--named Sherman!"
"William Tecumseh Sherman?"
"Yes, sir."
"What did he say to you?"
"Swore that if I moved an inch to leave his command he'd shoot me----"
"He said that to you?"
"Swore he'd shoot me down in my tracks like a dog!"
The President gravely rose, placed a big hand on the young officer's
shoulder and in serious, friendly tones said:
"If I were in your place, Captain, I wouldn't trust that man Sherman--I
believe he'll do it!"
The astonished volunteer looked up with a puzzled sheepish expression,
turned and shot out of the room.
The long figure dropped into a chair and doubled with laughter. He rose
and walked to his window, looking out on the trees swaying beneath the
storm, still laughing.
"They say that every cloud has its silver lining!" he laughed again.
"I'll remember that fellow Sherman."
Late in the day a report reached him of a beautiful young woman serving
refreshments without pay to the straggling, broken men.
He turned to Nicolay, his secretary:
"Get my carriage, find her, and bring her to me. I want to see her."
Betty's eyes were still red when she walked into his office.
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