The doctor helped me to my feet.  I was surprised to find myself so strong.  Dr. Frost took my arm; all of us went out.

I looked around.  Near us but little could be seen—­only a few fires on the ground.  But far off—­a mile or so, I don’t know—­the whole world was shining with fires; long lines of them to the right and the left.

We returned into the tent.  Not a word had been spoken.

Captain Haskell now said to me:  “Pardon me for now leaving you.  Command me, if I can be of any help; I trust you will not think me too bold in advising you to make no hasty decision which you might regret afterward; good-by.”

“Good-by, Captain,” I replied; “I must trust the doctor.”

The Captain’s brother lingered.  Dr. Frost was busy with him for a while, over some writing; I inferred that the surgeon was making a report.  When this matter was ended the doctor said to me, “This officer also is a Captain Haskell; he is assistant adjutant-general of Gregg’s brigade, and is a brother of Captain William Haskell.”

The adjutant now came nearer and sat by me.  “Yes,” said he; “but I was in my brother’s company at first.  We all shall be glad to help you if we can.”

“Captain,” said I, “your goodness touches me keenly.  I admire it the more because I know that I am nothing to you gentlemen.”

“Why,” said he, “your case is a very interesting one, especially to Dr. Frost, and we are all good friends; the doctor was in Company H himself—­was its first orderly sergeant.  Frank called our attention to your case in order that we might try to help you, and we should be glad to help.”

“Jones,” said Dr. Frost, “it is this way:  The army may move any day or any hour.  You cannot be sent to the general hospital, because you are almost well.  Something must be done with you.  What would you have us do?”

“I have no plans,” said I; “it would be impossible for me to have any plan.  But I think it would be wrong for me to commit myself to something I do not understand.  You seem to suggest that I enlist as a soldier.  I feel no desire to go to war, or to serve as a soldier in any way.  Possibly I should think differently if I knew anything about the war and its causes.”

“You are already a Confederate soldier,” said Dr. Frost.  “I think, Frank,” said Adjutant Haskell, “that if the causes of the war were explained to your friend, he would be better prepared to agree to your wishes.  Suppose you take time to-morrow and give him light; I know he must be full of curiosity.”

“Right!” said the doctor; “I’ll do it.  Let him know what is going on.  Then he’ll see that we are right.  He’d have it to do, though, in the end.”

“Yes; but let him understand fully; then he’ll be more cheerful; at any rate, it can do no harm.”

“But why should I be compelled to serve?” I asked.

“Jones, my dear fellow, you seem determined not to believe that you are already a soldier,” said the doctor.