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A CAPTAIN IN THE RANKS

"You have saved the Railroad." Page 336.

A CaptainIn the Ranks

A Romance of Affairs

By GEORGE CARY EGGLESTON

Author of "DOROTHY SOUTH," "RUNNING
THE RIVER," "THE MASTER OF
WARLOCK," Etc.

A. L. BURT COMPANY,
PUBLISHERS, NEW YORK

Copyright, 1904,
BY
A. S. Barnes & Co.

TO
Mable

On her wedding day, I dedicate
this story with affection

September 8, 1904

PREFACE

This story is intended to supplement the trilogy ofromances in which I have endeavored to show forth theVirginian character under varying conditions.

"Dorothy South" dealt with Virginia life and characterbefore the Confederate war.

"The Master of Warlock" had to do with theVirginians during the early years of the war, whentheir struggle seemed hopeful of success.

"Evelyn Byrd" was a study of the same people asthey confronted certain disaster and defeat.

The present story is meant to complete the picture.It deals with that wonderful upbuilding of the greatWest which immediately followed the war, and inwhich the best of the young Virginians played animportant part.

The personages of the story are real, and its eventsare mainly facts, thinly veiled.

CONTENTS