Part 49 (1/2)

After a few kind inquiries in regard to the invalid's condition, the general took from his pocket one of those great official envelopes which so often carry joy to the heart of the gallant officer. Somers was amazed. It could not be possible that his own promotion was indicated by this doc.u.ment. It was not three weeks since his commission as captain had reached him; but then Senator Guilford was a great man, and wielded a tremendous influence, both at Was.h.i.+ngton, and with the military authorities of his native State.

Recalling his former declaration to Captain de Banyan, he was fully resolved to decline any further promotion, at least until he had done something which ent.i.tled him to this distinction. The general held up the formidable packet, while Somers's pale face was suffused with blushes.

”I have brought you a major's commission, Somers; and I know it will give you joy.”

”Really, sir; ah! general, I don't think----”

”Don't you?” laughed the general.

”I don't deserve it, general; and you will pardon me if I say I cannot accept it. I am very grateful to you; but----”

”Oh, it isn't for you!” roared the general as he handed him the official paper.

”Major de Banyan!” exclaimed Captain Somers as he read the superscription with a thrill of delight. ”It is indeed a joy to me. I am ten times as happy as I should have been if my own name had been coupled with that t.i.tle. I am ever so much obliged to you.”

”Senator Guilford again! By the way, Captain Somers, you must call on him when you get to Was.h.i.+ngton.”

”I shall certainly do so. But I know my friend could not have been promoted without the good word which you have spoken for him.”

”Well, it is all right, captain. Major de Banyan is a brave fellow. He has done you a good turn; and I waylaid this doc.u.ment so as to afford you the pleasure of being the first to address him by his new t.i.tle.”

”Thank you, general.”

”And, captain, if you could prevail on the major to be a little more reasonable in some of the lies he tells, his reputation for veracity would be improved.”

”I will endeavor to do so.”

The general bade the invalid a hearty and even affectionate adieu; and they did not meet again till they grasped hands on the b.l.o.o.d.y field of Antietam, where Somers acted in a new sphere of duty. No sooner had the general departed, than Somers, inspired to new vigor by the joyful event which had just transpired, hastened to the camp of the regiment.

”Ah, Somers; my dear boy! how are you now?” said his friend as he seized his hand.

”Better, I thank you, _Major_ de Banyan.”

”Come, now, Somers, that is cruel! A friend of mine, just before the battle of Solferino----”

”Confound the battle of Solferino, Major de Banyan!”

”I was about to say that a friend of mine, just before the battle of Solferino, made fun of my aspirations, just as you do now----”

”I don't do anything of the sort. Here's the official doc.u.ment. If I read right, it says Major de Banyan.”

”Somers,” said the captain, winking very rapidly to dissipate some evidences of weakness which were struggling for existence in his eyes--”Somers, you have done this.”

”I did write to Senator Guilford about you before we went over the river; and now I thank G.o.d with all my soul that I did so.”

”Somers, you are one of the best of friends!” exclaimed the major as he stood with the unopened doc.u.ment in his hand.

”And so are you. Without you, I should have been in a rebel prison or under the sod at this time.”