eated in the hall. Presently
Miss---- appeared. She seemed at first, and doubtless was, somewhat
surprised. Dandridge, though, was perfectly natural and at ease,
introduced me as if I were a general, and rattled away in his usual
style. She informed him that another of his lady friends was in the
house, and left us to bring her in. To me the situation was not of the
kind I had been seeking and, rising, I said, "Steven, if you have time
before the ladies return to manufacture a satisfactory explanation of my
absence, do so; otherwise, treat the matter as if you had come alone,"
and I vanished. Dandridge was invited to remain to dinner, was
sumptuously feasted and entertained by the host, and to my astonishment
brought me a special invitation to return with him the following day and
dine with the household. Other engagements, however, prevented my going.

About four P. M. I met Joe Shaner, of Lexington, and of our battery, on
the street. His gun having met with some mishap the day previous, had
fallen behind, and had now just come up and passed through the town. Joe
was wofully dejected, and deplored missing, as one would have imagined,
the opportunity of his life--a day in such a city, teeming with all that
was good. But little time now remained before evening roll-call, when
each must give an account of himself. He was hungry, tired, and warm,
and I felt it my duty to comfort him as far as possible. I asked him how
he would like a taste of whiskey. "It's just what I need," was his quiet
reply, and before I had time to get the strap off of my shoulder he
dropped on one knee on the curb-stone and had my canteen upside down to
his mouth, oblivious of those passing by. He had no money, but, being a
messmate, I invested the remnant of my change for his benefit, but found
it necessary to include a weighty watermelon, to make out his load to
camp.

The next acquaintance I met was George Bedinger, whom I found, clad _a
la mode_, standing in a hotel-door with an expression of calm
satisfaction on his face. As I came up to him, carrying my recent
purchases tied in a bandana handkerchief, and stood before him, he
scanned me from head to foot, said not a word, but fell back with a roar
of laughter. Gay, brilliant Bedinger, whose presence imparted an
electric touch to those around him; I shall ne'er see his like again!

The sun was now setting; camp was two miles away. Thither I set out,
cheered by the assurance that, whatever pun