He hailed the lad pleasantly.
"Into the forest again, Dick," he said.
"Not this time, sir," Dick replied. "It's just a little trip, down the
river."
"Success to the trip and a speedy return."
Dick nodded and walked on. He was quite sure that his dispatch was an
order from Grant for Porter to come up the stream and join in a general
attack which everybody felt sure was planned for an early date.
As he passed through the regiments and brigades he received much
good-humored chaff. The great war of America differed widely from the
great wars of Europe. The officers and men were more nearly on a plane
of equality. The vast majority of them had been volunteers in the
beginning and perhaps this feeling of comradeship made them fight all
the better. North and South were alike in it.
"Which way, sonny?" called a voice from a group. "You don't find the
fighting down there. It's back toward Vicksburg."
Dick nodded and smiled.
"Maybe he's out walking for exercise. These officers ride too much."
Dick walked on with a steady swinging step.
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