Dick's was an alien presence there, and
doubtless this fact had attracted his attention.
"Good day to you," said the stranger in a bluff, deep voice. "I take
it from your uniform, your tan and your thinness that you've come from
active service."
"In both the west and the east," replied Dick politely. "I was at Shiloh,
but soon afterward I was transferred with my regiment to the east."
"Ah, then, of course, you know what is going on in Virginia?"
"No more than the general public does. I was at Cedar Run, which both we
and the rebels claim as a victory."
The man instantly showed a great increase of interest.
"Were you?" he said. "My own information says that Banks and Pope were
surprised by Jackson and that the rebel general has merely drawn off to
make a bigger jump. Did you get that impression?"
"Will you tell me why you ask me these questions?" said Dick in the same
polite tone.
"Because I've a big stake in the results out there. My name is John
Watson, and I'm supplying vast quantities of shoes and clothing to our
troops."
Dick turned up the sole of one of his shoes and picked thoughtfully at a
hole half way through the sole.
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