I warn you frankly of that at the very start.

All I shall say is you appear better than I had expected--only, really, you need a shave." "Better how?
In what way ?" "Well, younger for one thing; somehow your statement that you were a lieutenant made me suspect your age--or possibly it was your voice." "I am twenty-four." "And look to be scarcely twenty.

How did you ever gain a commission?
Were you in battle ?" The question decidedly hurt my pride, yet I managed to control my tongue.
"I have met colonels in both armies no older than I," I returned swiftly.

"Of course I have been in battle, wounded for the matter of that, and three months a prisoner." "Oh, I did not mean to question your right to the shoulder straps.

War makes men fast; I know that for my home has been in the track of both armies." "You live in this neighborhood ?" "Yes, about twenty miles south of where we are now.