He could not ask for more at such a
time, and he went out of the tent, leaving George to his care.
It was still raining, but the soldiers managed to keep many fires going,
despite it, and Dick passed between them as he sought Colonel Winchester,
and the fragments of his regiment. He found the colonel wrapped in a
greatcoat, leaning against a tree under a few feet of canvas supported
on sticks. Pennington, sound asleep, sat on a root of the same tree,
also under the canvas, but with the rain beating on his left arm and
shoulder.
Colonel Winchester looked inquiringly at Dick, but said nothing.
"I've been away without leave, sir," said Dick, "but I think I have
sufficient excuse."
"What is it?"
"I've brought in Warner."
"Ah! Is he dead?"
"No, sir. He's had a bullet through him and he's feverish and
unconscious, but the doctor says that with care he'll get well."
"Where did you find him?"
"Over there by the edge of the wood, sir, within what is now the
Confederate lines."
"A credit to your courage and to your heart. Sit down here. There's a
little more shelter under the canvas, and go to sleep.
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