From Captain Dean,
who was with the general at the time of the examination, it leaked
out that Zeb was in the line of promotion to a rank higher than
that of sergeant.
The next few days passed uneventfully; and Zeke was compelled to
resume the pick and shovel again. Stokes did his best to fulfil
his duties, but it had become evident to all that the exposure of
camp would soon disable him utterly. Jarvis and Captain Dean
persuaded him to go home for the winter, and the little squad
raised a sum which enabled him to make the journey in a stage.
Zeke, sullen toward his jeering comrades, but immensely elated in
secret, had shaken the dust--snow and slush rather--of camp-life
from his feet the day before. He had the grace to wait till the
time of his enlistment expired, and that was more than could be
said of many.
It spoke well for the little Opinquake quota that only two others
besides Zeke availed themselves of their liberty. Poor Stokes was
almost forced away, consoled by the hope of returning in the
spring. Zeb was sore-hearted on the day of Zeke's departure.
Pages:
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449
450
451
452
453
454
455