Many of them had been together at West Point. Colonel Winchester and
General Buckner were well acquainted and they saluted, each smiling a
little grimly.
"I bring General Grant's demand for the surrender of Fort Donelson,
and all its garrison, arms, ammunition, and other supplies," said
Colonel Winchester. "Can I see your chief, General Floyd?"
The lips of Buckner pressed close together in a smile touched with irony.
"No, you cannot see General Floyd," he said, "because he is now far up
the Cumberland."
"Since he has abdicated the command I wish then to communicate with
General Pillow."
"I regret that you cannot speak to him either. He is as far up the
Cumberland as General Floyd. Both departed in the night, and I am left
in command of the Southern army at Fort Donelson. You can state your
demands to me, Colonel Winchester."
Dick saw that the brave Kentuckian was struggling to hide his chagrin,
and he had much sympathy for him. It was in truth a hard task that
Floyd and Pillow had left for Buckner. They had allowed themselves to
be trapped and they had thrown upon him the burden of surrendering.
But Buckner proceeded with the negotiations. Presently he noticed Dick.
"Good morning, Richard," he said. "It seems that in this case, at least,
you have chosen the side of the victors."
"Fortune has happened to be on our side, general," said Dick
respectfully. "Could you tell me, sir, if my uncle, Colonel Kenton,
is unhurt?"
"He was, when he was last with us," replied General Buckner, kindly.
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