with a feed of oats, poured
upon the cleanest spots to be found on the grass, which had been
somewhat kicked up by the tramp of horses. The men went to their
steeds, and the lieutenant thought they were fine-looking men; and some
few of them were as tall and bony as Life Knox. The members of the
battery "hitched up" their animals again, and then took their seats on
their horses and the gun-carriages and caissons.

Major Lyon, evidently in obedience to the order he had just received,
had given his commands to the captains of the two companies, and they
were marching them into the field behind the ferry-house; and in a few
minutes they had formed in double ranks on the west side of the ground,
north and south. Then the two other companies of cavalry formed in the
same manner on the north side of the field, east and west. The battery
came into line on the south side, and the whole made the three sides of
the square.

The formation of the square was completed; and Deck, who had been
instructed to accompany Captain Woodbine, was directed to summon the
two majors in command of the squadrons into his presence. He shook
hands with both of them, calling them by name. Then the order was given
by the captains to present arms. The staff-officer raised his cap, and
bowed.

"I will now cause my commission to be read to you," he continued,
handing the document to Lieutenant Lyon, and directing him to read it,
which he did in a voice loud and clear enough to be heard by all on the
field.

CHAPTER XXXV

A FIRST LIEUTENANT AT EIGHTEEN

The reading of the commission was an unusual proceeding; but the
recipient of it appeared to consider it advisable, especially as
several changes in the organization were to be announced. The document
was dated back over two months, and made him who had been known as
Captain Woodbine on the staff a brigadier-general. A chorus of cheers
resounded all along the lines as Deck finished the reading of the
commission, especially from the Riverlawn Cavalry.

General Woodbine acknowledged the compliment with dignity. He explained
that his commission had been in his keeping since the date appended to
it; but he had preferred to retain his position on the staff of General
Thomas, who had insisted that morning that he should assume the rank to
which he was entitled; for the services of one so well acquainted with
the country, both in Kentucky and Tennessee, were needed at this time.

He had been pe