"The moral of my story, Hilland, scarcely needs pointing; and it applies to us both. When we go, let us go as soldiers; and if we have only a corporal's command, let us lead soldiers. The grand Northern onset of which you have dreamed so long has been made. You have seen the result. You have the means and ability to equip and command a regiment. Infuse into it your own spirit; and at the same time make it a machine that will hold together as long as you have a man left." "Graham," said Hilland, slowly and deliberately, "there is no resisting the logic of events. You have convinced me of my error, and I shall follow your advice." "And, Grace," concluded Graham, "believe me, by so doing he adds tenfold to his chances of living to a good old age." "Yes," she said, looking at him gratefully through tear-dimmed eyes. "You have convinced me of that also." "Instead of rushing off to some out-of-the-way place or camp, he must spend months in recruiting and drilling his men; and you can be with him." "Oh, Alford!" she exclaimed, "is that the heavenly logic of your long, terrible story?" "It's the rational logic; you could not expect any other kind from me." "Well, Graham," ejaculated the major, with a long sigh of relief, "I wouldn't have missed your account of the battle for a year's pay. And mark my words, young men, you may not live to see it, or I either, but the North will win in this fight. That's the fact that I'm convinced of in spite of the panic." "The fact that I'm convinced of," said Mrs. Mayburn brusquely, mopping her eyes meanwhile, "is that Alford needs rest. I'm going to take him home at once." And the young man seconded her in spite of all protestations. "Dear, vigilant old aunty," said Graham, when they were alone, "you know when I have reached the limit of endurance." "Ah! Alford, Alford," moaned the poor woman, "I fear you are seeking death in this war." He looked at her tenderly for a moment, and then said, "Hereafter I will try to take no greater risks than a soldier's duties require." CHAPTER XXII SELF-SENTENCED Days, weeks, and months with their changes came and went. Hilland, with characteristic promptness, carried out his friend's suggestion; and through his own means and personal efforts, in great measure, recruited and equipped a regiment of cavalry. He was eager that his friend should take a command in it; but Graham firmly refused. "Our relations are too intimate for discipline," he said. "We might be placed in situations wherein our friendship would embarrass us." Grace surmised that he had another reason; for, as time passed, she saw less and less of him. He had promptly obtained a lieutenancy in a regiment that was being recruited at Washington; and by the time her husband's regiment reached that city, the more disciplined organization to which Graham was attached was ordered out on the Virginia picket line beyond Arlington Heights.