Jackson made a gesture of dissent, but General Lee took him by
the arm and they went into the house. General Jackson turned a moment
at the door and motioned to Harry to follow. The boy went in, and found
himself in a large room. Three men had risen from cane chairs to meet
the visitor. One, broad of shoulders, middle-aged and sturdy, was
Longstreet. The others more slender of figure were the two Hills.

The major generals came forward eagerly to meet Jackson, and they also
had friendly greetings for his young aide. Lee handed them glasses of
milk which they drank thirstily.

"You'll find an aide of mine in the next room," said General Lee to
Harry. "He's a little older than you are but you should get along
together."

Harry bowed and withdrew, and the aide, Charlie Gordon, gave him a
hearty welcome. He was three or four years Harry's senior, something
of a scholar, but frank and open. When they had exchanged names, Gordon
said:

"Stretch out a bit on this old sofa. You look tired. You've been riding
a long distance. How many miles have you come?"

"I don't know," replied Harry, as he lay luxuriously on the sofa, "but
we started at one o'clock this morning and it is now three o'clock in
the afternoon."

"Fourteen hours. It's like what we've been hearing of Stonewall Jackson.
I took a peep at him from the window as you rode up."

"I suppose you didn't see much but dust."

"They certainly tell extraordinary things of General Jackson. It can't
be possible that all are true!"

"It is possible. They're all true--and more. I tell you, Gordon, when
you hear anything wonderful about Stonewall Jackson just you believe it.
Don't ask any questions, or reasons but believe it."

"I think I shall," said Gordon, convinced, "but don't forget, Kenton,
that we've got a mighty man here, too. You can't be with General Lee
long without feeling that you're in the presence of genius."

"And they're friends, not jealous of each other. You could see that at a
glance."

"The coming of Jackson is like dawn bursting from the dark. I feel,
Kenton, that McClellan's time is at hand."

Harry slept a little after a while, but when he awoke the generals were
still in council in the great room.

"I let you sleep because I saw you needed it," said Gordon with a smile,
"but I think they're about through in there now. I hear them moving
about."

General Jackson presently called Harry and they rode away. The young
aide was sent back to th