It's an invidious task to
rule over the unwilling, even when one rules with justice and wisdom.
It's strange, perhaps, Leonidas, but it's a universal truth, that people
would rather be ruled by themselves in a second rate manner than by the
foreigner in a first rate manner. Now, the government of our states is
attacked by Northern critics, but such as it is, it is ours and it's our
first choice. Do we bore you, Harry?"
"Not at all, sir. I never listen to either you or Colonel Talbot without
learning something."
The two colonels bowed politely.
"I have wished for some time to speak to you about a certain matter,
Hector," said Colonel Talbot.
"What is it, Leonidas?"
"During the height of that tremendous artillery fire from Little Round
Top I was at a spot where I could see the artillerymen very well whenever
the smoke lifted. Several times, I noticed an officer directing the
fire of the guns, and I don't think I could have been mistaken in his
identity."
"No, Leonidas, you were not. I too observed him, and we could not
possibly be mistaken. It was John Carrington, of course."
"Dear old John Carrington, who was with us at West Point, the greatest
artilleryman in the world. And he was facing us, when the fortunes of
the South were turning on a hair.
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