His railroad friend again came up with some hot coffee and broiled meat, and explained that after the train had reached a station some miles out it got orders to run back and clear the track for some trains of troops from the Army of the Potomac which were being rushed through. The Deacon's heart almost sank in despair, but he took the coffee and meat, and helped the boys to it. As they were all eating they heard a voice outside which struck on the chords of their memories:
FORE:Shorty had been frantically trying to catch the Deacon's eye, and was making all manner of winks and warning gestures without avail, for the Deacon answered frankly:"We've taken every possible precaution," Willis said.
ONE:There was a silence."There's a hl's mint of deviling, tormenting rebel cavalry out there beyond the hills," they called out to the regiment. "drop onto 'em, and mash 'em. We'll be out there to help, if you need it."
TWO:"Hello, Groundhog, is that you? Ain't you dead yit? Say, have you seen a squad o' recruits around hereall boys, with new uniforms, and no letters or numbers on their caps?"
His railroad friend again came up with some hot coffee and broiled meat, and explained that after the train had reached a station some miles out it got orders to run back and clear the track for some trains of troops from the Army of the Potomac which were being rushed through. The Deacon's heart almost sank in despair, but he took the coffee and meat, and helped the boys to it. As they were all eating they heard a voice outside which struck on the chords of their memories:"That zouave drill was a mighty good thing, after all," thought Si, as he turned from his prostrate foe to the others.As they neared their camp they were delighted to find it in a similar uproar to the others, with the men cheering, the brigade band playing, and the men throwing everything they could find on the brightly blazing bonfires. Ordinarily, such a long march as they had made to the top of the Lookout Mountain and back again would have been very tiresome, but in the enthusiasm of the occasion they forgot their fatiguealmost forgot their hunger."Doctor, he can't die. He mustn't die," said Shorty in agony. "The regiment can't spare him. He's the best soldier in it, and he's my pardner."
