“If only General Lee were in command there,” said Colonel Talbot, “we might reckon upon a great and decisive victory.”

“But Bragg is a good general,” said Lieutenant-Colonel St. Hilaire.

“It’s not enough to be merely a good general.  He must have the soul of fire that Lee has, and that Jackson had.  Bragg is the Southern McClellan.  He is brave enough personally, but he always overrates the strength of the enemy, and, if he is victorious on the field, he does not reap the fruits of victory.”

“Where were the armies when we last heard from them?” asked a captain.

“Bragg was turning north to attack Rosecrans, who stood somewhere between him and Chattanooga.”

“I’m glad that it’s Rosecrans and not Grant who commands the Northern army there,” said Harry.

“Why?” asked Colonel Talbot.

“I’ve studied the manner in which he took Vicksburg, and I’ve heard about him from my father, and others.  He won’t be whipped.  He isn’t like the other Northern generals.  He hangs on, whatever happens.  I heard some one quoting him as saying that no matter how badly his army was suffering in battle, the army of the other fellow might be suffering worse.  It seems to me that a general who is able to think that way is very dangerous.”

“And so he is, Harry,” said Colonel Talbot.  “I, too, am glad that it’s Rosecrans and not Grant.  If there’s any news of a battle, we’re not in a bad place to hear it.  It’s said that Mr. Curtis always knows as soon as our government what’s happened.”

The talk drifted on to another subject and then a hum came from the larger room.  A murmur only, but it struck such an intense and earnest note that Harry was convinced.

“It’s news of battle!  I know it!” he exclaimed.

They sprang to their feet and hurried into the ballroom.  William Curtis, his habitual calm broken, was standing upon a chair and all the people had gathered in front of him.  A piece of paper, evidently a telegram, was clutched in his hand.

“Friends,” he said in a strained, but exultant voice, “a great battle has been fought near Chattanooga on a little river called the Chickamauga, and we have won a magnificent victory.”

A mighty cheer came from the crowd.

“The army of Rosecrans, attacked with sudden and invincible force by Bragg, has been shattered and driven into Chattanooga.”

Another cheer burst forth.

“No part of the Union army was able to hold fast, save one wing under Thomas.”

A third mighty cheer arose, but this time Harry did not join in it.  He felt a sudden sinking of the heart at the words, “save one wing under Thomas.”  Then the victory was not complete.  It could be complete only when the whole Union army was driven from the field.  As long as Thomas stood, there was a flaw in the triumph.  He had heard many times of this man, Thomas.  He had Grant’s qualities.  He was at his best in apparent defeat.