"Find them so?" said the major. "That is because you read all
sides."
"How else can one make up one's mind? How can you know what is
the truth?"
"Apparently you do not know it that way," said the major,
smiling. "No; the way is, to choose your side, and stick to
it. Then you stand a chance to be comfortable."
"But you cannot go into society without hearing more sides
than one."
"Silence the wrong."
"I want to know first which is right."
"Haven't you found that out yet?" my companion said, with a
surprised glance at me. "I thought, Miss Randolph, you were a
safe person; all right for the good cause."
"Oh, yes, of course, that is not the question. I do not want
to hear both sides to decide that. But I mean lesser
questions; movements, probabilities, dangers; the truth of
actual events. Those I want to know about."
"I am sure, so do I," said the major.
"I hoped you could enlighten me, Major Fairbairn."
"About movements?" said the major. "Well, our forces are
moving; there is no doubt. McDowell is going forward in
earnest at last."
"Against Beauregard?"
"Against whatever he meets; and I suppose Beauregard will meet
him."
"Then there will be a battle?"
"I hope so."
"Why do you hope so, Major Fairbairn?"
"It is the shortest way to peace, Miss Randolph. But it is not
likely that one battle will do it."
"I know it will not if the North succeed," I said; "but how if
the Southern army should get the better?"
"You aren't a rebel in disguise?" said the major, looking
askance at me. "Is my reputation in danger, to be riding with
you?"
"It is just as well to look the truth in the face, Major
Fairbairn."
"So it is; you are right there," said my companion seriously
enough. "Well, I look for a long tussle of it, whichever way
this particular game goes to-day. It will be well if there is
anything left to fight for, by the time it is over."
"There is always the truth" - I said.
"The truth gives poor board wages to its servants, though,"
said the major. "It is all very well to cry 'victory,' when
there is no corn in the hopper."
"Is it likely that Patterson will fight?" I asked, with my
heart in my mouth. I had been trying to get this question out;
and it seemed to me now as if every word were as big as two.
"Humph! - I don't know," said the major. "I suppose he will,
if he can't help it."
"What do you mean?"
"Why, he has got work enough to do," said Major Fairbairn. "I
don't know if it is work that he likes. I have some private
acquaintance with the man. His business is to keep Johnston
busy, so that he will not have leisure to look our way."