26 Major Generals

CHAPTER 26 Major Generals The news that the troop had been called a failure went along the line. The other troops all said the general had made a huge mistake. Henry saw that his friends looked like beaten animals. Wilson looked at him and said, "I wonder what he wants from us. He must think we went out there and played marbles!" Although he was angry, Henry decided to stay calm. "Oh, well," he said. "The general probably didn't see any of it. He probably got mad and

decided that we were a lot of sheep, just because we didn't do exactly what he wanted done. It's just our awful luck, that's all." "I should say so," replied his friend. He seemed deeply insulted. "There's no fun in fighting for people when everything you do —no matter what—isn't done right. I almost want to stay behind next time. Let them take their charge and go to the devil with it." Just then several men came hurrying up. "Oh, Fleming, you have to hear this!" cried one of them. "Hear what?" asked Henry. "Well, the colonel met with your lieutenant right near us, and he said, 'Who was that lad who carried the flag?' Then the lieutenant says, 'That's Henry Fleming. He's a tough kid.' Those were his exact words. And the colonel says, 'He is, indeed. He is a very good man to have. He kept the flag right up at the front. I saw him. He's a good one all right.'

Then the lieutenant said, 'You bet. He and a fellow named Wilson were at the head of the charge the whole time.' Then the colonel said, 'Well, well, they deserve to be major generals.'" Henry and Wilson were blushing from the thrill of hearing this news. They shared a secret glance of joy and congratulation. Soon they forgot many things. The past held no disappointments. They were very happy. Their hearts swelled with grateful affection for the colonel and their lieutenant.