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94 up his command. But the movement along the ravine had been successful and the command had done brilliant work throughout the contest. It was not until afterward that it leaked out what a responsibility Captain McKinley had taken. At that time neither General Crook nor General Sheridan said anything, for they saw that the young staff officer had tried to do his best, and just then was no time to "stand on ceremony," so to speak. But long afterward Sheridan took McKinley aside and said to him:—

"That order of yours was all right because it turned out all right. But if it had turned out wrong, why then it would have been very wrong." Deep in his heart he admired the young soldier for his quick decision and daring, for he was quick to decide and quick to do himself.

On the day following occurred the battle of North Mountain. Having reached the crest of a rocky hill, the Confederates threw up some hasty intrenchments and planted their batteries with care during the night. But the Unionists were close on their heels, and flushed with victory, charged madly up