“All that is very simple,” said he; “as to being in Europe, and afterward getting to America, that is not more strange than being in America and afterward getting to Europe; however, lot us defer all talk of Europe and America.  As to knowing that you were with Sergeant Willis, and that he was wounded, that is simple; some men of your regiment gave me that information.”

I did not reply to the Doctor, but sat looking at the miscellaneous file of persons, carriages, ambulances, and all else that was now blocked on the bridge,

At length I said:  “I cannot understand how you could so easily find the place where I left Sergeant Willis.  It was more than a mile from the spot where I met you; the night was dark, and I am certain that I could not have found the place.”

“Of course you could not,” he replied; “but it was comparatively easy for me; I had passed and repassed the place, for I worked all day to help the disabled—–­ and Reed was employed for the reason that he knows every nook and corner of that part of the country.”

After crossing the bridge, Reed drove quickly to the Columbia College Hospital, where we left Sergeant Willis, but not before learning that his wound was not difficult.

“Now,” said the Doctor, “you are my guest for a few days.  I will see to it that you are excused from duty for a week.  It may take that time to set you right, especially as I can see that you have some traces of nervous fever.  I am going to take steps to prevent your becoming ill.”

“How can you explain my absence, Doctor?”

“Well,” said he, “in the first place there is as yet nobody authorized to receive an explanation.  To-day our time is our own; by to-morrow all the routed troops will be in or near Washington; then I shall simply write a note, if you insist upon it, to the commanding officer of your company, explaining Willis’s absence and your connection with his case, and take on myself the responsibility for your return to your command.”

“Has the Sanitary Commission such credit that your note will be accepted as a guaranty, in good form, for my return?”

“The circumstances in this case are peculiar,” said the Doctor; “some of your men will not report to their commands for a week.  You will be ready for your company before your company is ready for you.”

“That is true enough, Doctor; but I should wish to observe all military requirement.”

He left me for a while and returned with a piece of paper in his hand.

“Well, what do you think of this?”

It was a surgeon’s commitment of Private Jones Berwick, company and regiment given, into the hands of the Sanitary Commission for ten days.  I could say no more, except to speak my gratitude for his kindness.

“I am sorry,” said Dr. Khayme, “to be unable to offer you the best of quarters.  The Commission has so recently been organized that we have not yet succeeded in getting thorough order into our affairs; in fact, my work yesterday was rather the work of a volunteer than the work of the Commission.  Our tents are now beyond Georgetown Heights; in a few days we shall move our camps, and shall increase our comfort.”