It was getting late.  Lydia retired to her own apartment.  The Doctor had smoked and smoked; his pipe had gone out, and he did not fill it again.  He rose.  “You can get sleep now, my boy; you have done a good day’s work, or rather a good night’s work sandwiched between two days.  General Morell ought to reward you.”

“I do not want any reward,” said I.

“You would not like a commission?” he asked.

“I don’t know what good it would do me,” said I.

“It would do you no harm,” he said; “it would be an advantage to you in many ways.  You would fare better; your service might not be really lighter, but you would command more respect from others.  That captain of the lancers will not think of apologizing to you; but if he knew you as Lieutenant Berwick, he would be quick to write you a note.  If promotion is offered you,—­and it ought to be offered,—­you ought not to refuse it.”

“Doctor,” said I, “I am not ambitious—­at least, in that way.”

XVIII

THE BATTLE OF HANOVER

     “The enemy’s in view, draw up your powers. 
     Here is the guess of their true strength and forces
     By diligent discovery; but your haste
     Is now urged on you.”—­SHAKESPEARE.

On the night of the 25th I was again sent for by General Morell.

“Berwick,” said he, “I trust you are able to do some more hard work.  Have you had a good rest?”

I was unwilling to say that I had not; yet the fact was that I had suffered greatly, and had not regained condition.

“One good turn deserves another,” said he, laughing; “so you must help me out again; but don’t doubt for a moment that your turn will come, too, some day.”

“Well, General,” said I, “what’s in the wind this time?”

“Sit here,” said he, “while I get the map.  Your report has been fully corroborated.  General Branch’s brigade or division, of some six to ten regiments and a battery, is at Hanover Court-House, or was there last night, and is supposed to be there now.  A division of this army will march against Branch.  Now I will show you what you must do for us.  Here,” pointing on the map to a road running south, along the railroad from Hanover Court-House, “here you see the road you were on with the wagons.  At this point—­a mile and a half or two miles southeast of Hanover—­is the road running down the river—­the road you followed after crossing Crump’s Creek.  The force which will march against Branch will be sufficient to crush him, and we must prevent him from escaping in the direction of Richmond.  Therefore, our attack is arranged to fall on his right.  Now don’t make a mistake and be thinking of our right—­his right—­here.  If we can get around his right, we can drive him into the Pamunkey River.  If we should attack on his left, we should simply drive him toward Richmond.”

“Yes, sir; I see,” said I.