"My uncle, Colonel Kenton, has directed his people to give her help in
case of need," he replied, "but that means physical help against raiders
and guerillas. Otherwise she has sufficient for her support."
"That is well. War is terrible on women. And now, Dick, my lad,
we'll get our supper. This nipping air makes me hungry, and the
Northern troops do not suffer for lack of food."
The officers ate in one of the cabins, and when the supper was finished
deep night had come over the river, but Dick, standing on the deck,
heard the heavy throb of many engines, and he knew that a great army
was still around him, driven on by the will of one man, deep into the
country of the foe.
The decks, every foot of plank it seemed, were already covered with the
sleeping boys, wrapped in their blankets and overcoats. He saw his
friend, the young hunter from Nebraska, lying with his head on his arm,
sound asleep, a smile on his face.
Dick watched until the first darkness thinned somewhat, and the stars
came out. Then he retired to one of the cabins, which he shared with
three or four others, and slept soundly until he was aroused for
breakfast. He had not undressed, and, bathing his face, he went out at
once on the deck. Many of the soldiers were up, there was a hum of talk,
and all were looking curiously at the river up which they were steaming.
They were in the Tennessee, having passed in the night the little town
of Paducah--now an important city--at its mouth.
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