CHAPTER IX
TAKING A FORT
Dick was with Colonel Winchester when he was admitted to the presence of
the general who had already done much to strengthen the Union cause in
the west, and he found him the plainest and simplest of men, under forty,
short in stature, and careless in attire. He thanked Colonel Winchester
for the reinforcement that he had brought him, and then turned with some
curiosity to Dick.
"So you were at the battle of Mill Spring," he said. "It was hot,
was it not?"
"Hot enough for me," replied Dick frankly.
Grant laughed.
"They caught a Tartar in George Thomas," he said, "and I fancy that
others who try to catch him will be glad enough to let him go."
"He is a great man, sir," said Dick with conviction.
Then Grant asked him more questions about the troops and the situation
in Eastern Kentucky, and Dick noticed that all were sharp and
penetrating.
"Your former immediate commander, Major Hertford, and some of his men
are due here today," said Grant. "General Thomas, knowing that his own
campaign was over, sent them north to Cincinnati and they have come down
the river to Cairo. When they reach here they will be attached to the
regiment of Colonel Winchester."
Dick was overjoyed. He had formed a strong liking for Major Hertford
and he was quite sure that Warner and Sergeant Whitley would be with
him. Once more they would be reunited, reunited for battle. He could
not doubt that they would go to speedy action as the little town at the
junction of the mighty rivers resounded with preparation.
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