rmitted to select the force to form his brigade, and he
had chosen those that he regarded as best fitted for the duty to which
he expected to be assigned. Major Lyon would retain the command of the
Riverlawn Cavalry, and Major Richland that of the other squadron of
Kentucky cavalry, while Captain Batterson would remain at the head of
the battery on the field, attached to the brigade.

"Lieutenant Lyon, of the first company of the Riverlawn Squadron,"
continued the general, "is promoted from the rank of second to that of
first lieutenant; and I have the pleasure of presenting to him his
commission;" and he handed to him the important document.

A spontaneous volley of cheers burst from the ranks of both companies
of the Riverlawns, for Deck was as popular in one company as in the
other; and it was continued till the general stopped it with a wave of
his hand.

"First Lieutenant Lyon is appointed to serve on the staff of the
general in command," added the commander of the brigade. "Second
Lieutenant Herndon is also promoted to the rank of first lieutenant,
and he will come forward to receive his commission. He is also
appointed to serve on my staff."

An outburst of cheers followed from the Marion Cavalry, as they had
chosen to call themselves, in which both the Riverlawns and the battery
joined. Lieutenant Herndon rode forward to the position of the general;
and Deck observed him with the most intense interest, for he was likely
to be his most intimate companion in future campaigns. He was a young
man of not more than twenty-one, but he was six feet in height, well
built, and quite muscular. He had a decidedly handsome face, with a
very pleasant expression; and Deck was sure that he was popular with
the ladies. The general presented his commission to him, which he
received with a graceful bow.

"Lieutenant Lyon, let me introduce to you Lieutenant Herndon; and as
you are now members of my military family, I hope you will be good
friends," said General Woodbine; and the two young men grasped each
other's hands, and the meeting was as cordial as it was promising for
the future.

"The major, in consultation with the captains of the companies in which
the vacancies occur, will fill them by appointing acting second
lieutenants; and, if practicable, I will thank them to send me the
names of those selected at once," continued the general, as he fell
into conversation with his newly appointed staff-officers.

In less tha