"Do you think Bragg will attack us in Chattanooga, Dick?" asked
Pennington.
"I don't. Our position here is too strong, and, as he was the assailant,
his losses must be something awful. Moreover, the rivers are always ours
and reinforcements will soon pour in to us. I think that General Thomas
saved the Union. What have you to say, George?"
"Just about what you are saying, Dick. We've been beaten, but not enough
to suit the Johnnies. They have on their side present victory. We have
on ours present but not total defeat. You might say they have x, while
we have x + y. Wait until I look into my algebra, and I can find further
mathematical and beautiful propositions proving my contention beyond the
shadow of a doubt."
He took out his algebra and opened it. A bullet fell from the leaves
into his lap. Warner picked it up and examined it carefully. Then he
looked at the book.
"It went half way through," he said in tones of genuine solemnity.
"If it had gone all the way it would have pierced my heart and I could
never have known how this war is going to end.
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