Hancock "the superb."

Front matter

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Contents

CHAPTER I, pAal .

Sketch of Norristown, where his Youth was Passed — The Glorious Memories of the Surroundings — Valley Forge — The Illustrious Pedigree of our Hero, Winfield Scott Hancock . . . .11

Chapter II

The Schoolboy Days of Hancock — His early Military Predilections — His Youthful Friendships — The Permanent Impress of a good Home Moulds his Character — "Why, that big Boy out there Tried to Whip Me, and I was n't going to let Him " . .21

Chapter III

The Mimic Battles of his Boyhood Foreshadow his Gallant Career — His Noble Defence of a Young Playmate, and their Meeting in after Years, when Both had earned Distinction — "A Good Soldier Knows no Party but his Country " 29

CHAPTER IY.

An Interesting Episode which had much to do with Shaping the Destiny of Young Hancock — The Ill-Treatment of a Horse by a Drayman leads indirectly to a Cadetship for the Future General, 41

CHAPTER Y.

Winfield Scott Hancock as a West Point Cadet — He Meets his Illustrious Namesake — His Creditable Progress at the Academy — His Industry, His Truthfulness, and High Sense of Honor — An Illustration of his Humorous Vein — "Jineing the Pint" . . 53

CHAPTER VI.

A Brief Sketch of Montgomery County, Rich in its Revolutionary Associations — A County to be proud of, and a County that is 1* (T)

VI CONTENTS.

PASS

proud of its Distinguished Son, the Present Nominee for the Presidency of the United States 59

CHAPTER VII.

Winfield Graduates — His Gallant Career in the Mexican War — Churubusco — Molino del Rey — Chapultepec — Toluca — The Complimentary Resolutions of the Pennsylvania Legislature — The Fleshing of his Maiden Sword 63

CHAPTER VIII.

Promoted to be Adjutant — His Selection of a Beautiful and Accomplished Life Partner — Their two Olive Branches, and the sad Cypress Wreath — His good old Schoolmaster . . . .75

CHAPTER IX.

Among the "Everglades" — Stationed in the Mormon District — His Experiences in California — The coming Storm met by his fearless Patriotism 82

CHAPTER X.

The Stars and Bars vs. the Stars and Stripes — Winfield Scott Hancock Rises to the Occasion — The Soldier-Statesman who Knew no Politics but the Policy of the Union, Earning the Right to Become the First of American Citizens 92

CHAPTER XI.

A ripe Military Man, a true Patriot, and an Unflinching Loyalist — His further Promotion at the Instance of General McClellan — His long March across the Continent from Benicia 100

CHAPTER XII.

His Brigade on the Potomac — His quiet Method of Dealing with Spies — The Actual Opening of the Dread Fraternal Strife — Hancock's Presence everywhere the Signal for Enterprise and Activity 106

CHAPTER XIII.

The Campaign of 1862 — The Valley of the Shenandoah — Burnside at Roanoke Island — Big Bethel — A " Sick Man " inconveniently Captured— "My Husband's Aunt Betty" 118

CONTENTS. Vil

CHAPTER XIV.

FAME

Hancock at Yorktown — One of the Decisive Issues of the War — " Wave, Richmond, all thy Banners Wave ! " but still they Waved in Vain — Hancock Breveted Major in the United States Regular Army 128

CHAPTER XV.

The Brilliant Victory at Williamsburg — "Gentlemen, Charge!" — The Field on which Hancock Earned the Title of "Superb" — The Enemy Routed out of their Entrenchments .... 140

CHAPTER XVI.

Hancock's Correspondence with his Family — The Modest Soldier — The Faithful Son — The Affectionate Brother— The Civilian in the Midst of Strife 148

CHAPTER XVII.

The Terrible Struggles of Garnett's Hill, Savage's Station, and White Oak Swamp — Hancock as Major-General of Volunteers — The Return from the Peninsula 153

CHAPTER XVIII.

Hancock a Colonel in the Regular Army — The Sanguinary Onset at Antietam — The Enemy driven back to Virginia — An Episode of Grim Humor — A Union Colonel in his First Fight . . . 157

CHAPTER XIX.

Hancock at Fredericksburg — The Passage of the Rappahannock — Terrible Slaughter of the Union Troops — Hancock's Line Impregnable — His Care for his Wounded Men 168

CHAPTER XX.

The Bloody Battle of Chancellorsville — Hancock's Bold Charge puts the Enemy's Solid Column to Flight — General Hancock Assigned to the Command of the Second Corps U. S. A. . . 182

CHAPTER XXI.

The Invasion of Pennsylvania and Maryland — The Famous Heights of Gettysburg — " The Army of the Potomao " Confronts Lee's, and Prepares for Battle 189 viii CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXII. PAGE

The Furious Fight at Gettysburg — General Hancock, with the Second Army Corps, in the Centre of the Battle — Colonel Randall and the Gallant Thirteenth Vermont — " Colonel, can you take that Battery ? " "I can, Sir." — Hancock Severely Wounded 197

CHAPTER XXIII.

General Hancock at Home after the Battle — The Wounded Hero an Objeot of Adoration — An Elegant and Costly Testimonial from the Friends of his Youth — Once more at the Front . . 209

CHAPTER XXIY.

Ordered to Washington — His Headquarters at Harrisburg — Inspiring Address to the Citizens of his Native State — The City Councils of Philadelphia Honor Pennsylvania's Son — Reception in Independence Hall 217

CHAPTER XXV.

Hancock's Campaign with Grant — He is made Major-General of Volunteers — The Fight in the Wilderness — Our Hero again Wounded — Generals Stuart and Johnson, the Prisoners of his Command — Affecting Meeting with Old Companions . . .226

CHAPTER XXYI.

General Hancock in the Advanced Front in Spottsylvania — Another Glorious Charge and Another Brilliant Victory to add to his Noble Record 238

CHAPTER XXVII.

Lee Falls back before the Advance of the Second Army Corps — Ewell and Longstreet Retreat as Hancock nears them — Only Fourteen Miles from Richmond — On the Banks of the Pamunkey — A Midnight Assault Repulsed 246

CHAPTER XXVIII.

On the Banks of the Famous Chickahominy — Capture of the Ford at Taylor's Bridge — Cold Harbor, Bottom's Bridge, and the James River — "On to Richmond \" % 260

CONTENTS. ix

CHAPTER XXIX.

Hancock's Siege-Lines Closing in on the Confederate Capital — Hancock Carries Bottom's Bridge at the Point of the Bayonet — The Mississippi Valley Sanitary Fair Presents a Sword to General Hancock 268

CHAPTER XXX.

The Second Army Corps Advancing on Petersburg — General Meade Congratulates General Hancock — Closing in upon Richmond — A Magnificent Ruse and a Midnight Surprise .... 280

CHAPTER XXXI.

The Weldon Railroad Captured — Atlanta Reduced — The Victory at Winchester — Hancock's Command, Alone and Unaided, Repulses the Enemy and Retains the Weldon Road — Bayonet to Bayonet, the Foe are driven back — One of the Most Desperate Struggles of the War . .296

CHAPTER XXXII.

The Battle of Gettysburg described by General Hancock — Full Details of the Fight that Saved Philadelphia — The Order that Placed General Hancock over General Howard — The Second and Third Divisions of the Second Corps Bear the Brunt of Battle . . 311

CHAPTER XXXIII.

Brigadier-General Hancock — Battles of Tolopatomoy Creek, North Anna, Cold Harbor, the Sanguinary Chickahominy, Deep Bottom, Reams's Station, and Boydton Plank-Road — The End of his Fighting Career — An Important Mission Conferred upon him . 323

CHAPTER XXXIV.

In Washington — The Organization of the First Army Veteran Corps — Hancock a Major-General — In Charge of the Middle Military Division — He has Charge of Washington after the Assassination of President Lincoln — The Sm-ratt Matter . . 338

CHAPTER XXXY.

Sketches and Anecdotes — "Jirieing the Pint" — Hancock as a Cadet, as a Junior Officer, and as a Commander — "I always Know where to find Hancock," (Gen. Grant.) — The Magic Influence of his Presence on the Field 345

X CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XXXVI. PXOH

Hancock a Major-General — His Military Command in the South — The Celebrated " General Orders No. 40 " — His Support of Civil Authority — Military Rule Subservient to Constitutional Law — The Civilian Soldier Demonstrating his Statesmanship . . 356

CHAPTER XXXVII.

The Celebrated Letter to Governor Pease, of Texas — General Hancock's Careful Exposition of the Relation between the Military and the Civil Administration — A Valuable and Remarkable Document 363

CHAPTER XXXVIII.

Hancock's Policy of Reconstruction too honest for the Carpet-Bag element — His Command of the Atlantic Division — Transferred to Dakota — Resumes Command of the Military Division of the Atlantic — His Political Record 382

CHAPTER XXXIX.

The Cincinnati Convention, which Nominated Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock, U. S. A., for President of the United States, June 24, 1880 .389

CHAPTER XL.

William H. English, op Indiana.

Nominated for Vice-President of the United States by the Cincinnati Convention of 1880 — Sketch of his Life — A Native Indianian — Early Career — Political Record — Services in Congress — The Kansas-Nebraska Bill — Commercial Life . . .417

CHAPTER XLI.

Conclusion 429

HANCOCK "THE SUPERB,"

THE LAWYER'S SON.

Chapter I

Sketch of Norristown, where his Youth was Passed — The Glorious Memories of the Surroundings — Valley Forge — The Illustrious Pedigree of our Hero, Winfield Scott Hancock.

ON the 14th of February, 1824, in a retired part of the County of Montgomery, near Montgomery Square, Pennsylvania, Winfield Scott Hancock was born. He is the son of Benjamin Franklin and Elizabeth Hancock, who were also natives of Montgomery County. His twin-brother, Hilary Baker, is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he has been for some years engaged in the practice of law. The only remaining brother, Major John Hancock, was in the Army of the Potomac during the late unhappy civil war. These three are all the children of this branch of the Han cock family.

At the age of four years Winfield removed, with his parents, to Norristown, Pennsylvania, a beautiful borough, finely located on the sloping banks of the Schuylkill river, about twenty miles from Philadelphia. It is the shire town of Montgomery county. Last census it contained a population of 10,753. The court-house is well situated, on a commanding eminence, and built of the handsome gray marble of the vicinity. Its spire, which resembles that of some modern churches, is seen from a considerable distance, and forms an attractive object in the central portion of the town. There are several churches, some of which are quite elegant in appearance. The streets are nearly all wide, straight, and generally laid out at right angles. Some of them are finely shaded with trees. One of the principal thoroughfares has beautiful rows, the clean trunks and shady branches of which reflect credit on the common sense and good taste of the citizens. The banks, newspapers, hotels, markets, and other town appliances, betoken the activity and conveniences of the people. There are eight newspapers, one a daily, which circulate widely through the adjacent country, while the daily papers of Philadelphia and New York find numerous and constant readers, in a few hours after they leave their presses. The public schools, which

SKETCH OF NORRISTOWN. 13

have been established several years, are abundant and well conducted. There are some good seminaries, finely situated in the outskirts of the town, which afford the best facilities for male and female education.

Owing to its being favored with a court house, and the strong stone jail 'appurtenance thereunto belonging,' Norristown has a liberal supply of gentlemen of the legal profession. Their numerous signs give evidence of the things signified in all the most frequented places. A somewhat amusing instance of the abundance of this highly valuable class of the community, in this quarter, occurred with the author.

We were returning from a visit to the market, whither we had gone before sunrise, in order that we might note its peculiarities and its patrons' habits, and had just turned a corner by the court-house, when a countryman accosted us :

"Maybe you're a strenger in Norristown?"

" Yes, sir," was our reply.

" Maybe you was 'quirin' 'bout the prices in merket?"

" Yes, sir," we again answered.

"Maybe you're a lawyer?" said he, looking at us with great reverence.

"No, sir!" we replied, not a little surprised at the

U WINFIELD, THE LAWYER'S SON.

question, and quickly adding: "What made you think so?"

" Why, strenger," he concluded, continuing to look steadily at us, "you've got such a honest face!"

Completely overcome, we turned away, and passed hurriedly down Court House Hill. Ever since that eventful moment we have had a most exalted opinion of the lawyers of Norristown. How widely-known and well-established must be the integrity of these champions of jurisprudence, when a common stranger in the streets is supposed to be one of their number by the honesty of his looks !

The public bridge across the fiver Schuylkill, at this place, is one of the longest and most substantial in Pennsylvania. It leads to the neat village of Bridgeport, where the canal flows along the banks, and where, just above, a dam spans the stream, down the sides of which the waters pour their crystal flood, like a thin sheet of transparent glass hung over a parapet. In the centre of the river is a lovely island, the green summer verdure of which is reflected in the passing waters ; and whose romantic reaches beyond remind thb beholder of the days when the Schuylkill was the sporting current of the Indian, when its groves echoed to his wild halloos, and the hill -sides and valleys smoked with his wigwams.

VALLEY FORGE. 15

Now the dash of the water-wheel and the ripple of the canal-boat have taken the place of the paddling canoe. The savage shout has died away, and in its stead we hear the roar of engines on the railroad, and the clatter of machinery in the factories along the river. The smoke of the lodge has long since passed into thin air, and its space is supplied by the black vapor that rises from the tall chimneys of the busy iron forge, or the white steam of the lime-kiln. The Minie rifle has supplanted the bow ; the axe of the pioneer has driven out the savage hatchet ; the winding wild- wood path of the red man has become a country road, a turnpike, a railway ; and a large town stands on the rude plots where the aborigines reared their solitary huts. The naked foot of barbarism has been lifted from the soil, and the shod step of civilization is in its place where beautiful Norristown flourishes to-day.

A few miles west from the Schuylkill is one of the most memorable spots in American revolutionary history. It is the Valley Forge. Here it was that the scattered remnants of the patriotic Continental army, under Washington, went into their scanty winter quarters. The British General, Sir William Howe, had vainly endeavored, with a much superior force, to draw the commander-in-chief into an unequal

16 WINF1ELD, THE LAWYER'S SON.

engagement. His object was the complete conquest of Philadelphia and the adjacent territory. Bat Washington was too cautious to be allured from his stronghold in these Pennsylvania hills ; although to remain there, through that unusually inclement season, was sure to cause him and his brave troops a great amount of suffering.

The battle of Germantown had been fought by Washington, with La Fayette and Pulaski, at that time just intr od uced to our republican army. Germantown is but a few miles east of Norristown, on the fine ridge of country lying toward Philadelphia. The battle took place on the 4th of October, 1777 ; and although the American soldiers were enduring much from sickness and privations, they attacked the invaders with such valor that they would have completely won the day but for an unforeseen withdrawal of aid, for which it was impossible for Washington to be prepared.

At the struggle of the Brandywine, which took place not many miles from Norristown, on the 11th of September, in the same year, the Americans fought equally well ; but the smallness of their force, and the wounding of La Fayette, had compelled a retirement from the field. The determined will and skillful strategy of Washington, fighting a strong,

VALLEY FORGE 17

fresh force of the enemy, with disabled columns, kept Sir William Howe at bay from Philadelphia. It was, not until the last extremity had come, that the revolutionary troops steadily and slowly retired to the Yalley Forge. Here was passed that winter of terrible trial. "Without suitable food or clothing, worn down by repeated marches and battles, deprived of the comforts of home, driven into poor little shanties for protection against the piercing cold, the patriots of that day have gilded those hillsides and glens of Pennsylvania with the glory of their deeds. It was here that the selfish spirit of mean and cowardly men added to the sufferings of the brave soldiers. At the time when starvation seemed to be staring them in the face, when their feet were yet sore and swollen with their shoeless conflicts in the drifted snows, there were wretches base enough to rush through the sad and gloomy camp, crying "Beef! Beef! Give us beef!" It required all the courage and force of character of Washington to check this unpatriotic outbreak, and convince the soldiers that to endure as brave men should was finally to succeed in the great struggle. In the 'dead waste and middle' of that fearful winter, the Father of our Country retired to the grove near his headquarters ; and, spreading his well-worn army cloak on the frozen ground, poured 2* B out the agony of his tried soul in prayer to the Deity. At that very moment treason was doing its worst against him. Attempts were being made to supplant him in command. Our oppressors abroad, uniting with traitors at home, were doing all in their power to scatter the Continental forces, and give up the country to the foe. It was not so to be ! The Valley Forge, while it was the dark, icy grave to many of our early heroes, became, also, in the springtime, the open door of hope, from which sprang forth new legions to do battle for Eepublican freedom. "Well may it forever be a sacred spot. Pennsylvania has many glorious Eevolutionary memorials ; but the Valley Forge stands first among them all.

Surrounded by such associations as these, Winfield Scott Hancock was born. The name given him at his birth was indicative of the estimate put on love of country by his parents. That of Hancock is associated with everything that is noble and self-sacrificing in the early annals of the Eepublic. John Hancock. the Massachusetts merchant, will be remembered with gratitude by patriotic Americans, as long as a page of the history of our land remains. He was one of the most determined champions of the Eevolution that the American colonies contained. Of the foremost men of his time, it was for him to say :

PATRIOTIC ASSOCIATIONS. 19

" Thy spirit, Independence ! let me share, Lord of the lion heart and eagle eye ! Thy steps I follow with my bosom bare, Nor heed the storm that howls along the sky. Immortal Liberty ! whose look sublime Has blanched the tyrant's cheek in every varying clime."

Hancock was among the first, while yet a young man and in the possession of a large fortune, to strike a blow against the royal oppressors of his native land. His life was declared to be forfeited, by a proclamation of the British Government. But he escaped the fury of a brutal soldiery, to enlist, with Adams, Otis, and other patriots of that day, in the work of preparing for an armed resistance to foreign aggressions. Immediately after the battle of Lexington, he was chosen President of the Provincial Congress, in Massachusetts ; and subsequently to be the successor of Peyton Eandolph, of old Virginia, as President of the General Congress, which met at Philadelphia, and issued the Declaration of Independence, July 4th, 1776. On that immortal roll of worthies his name must ever stand conspicuous. The record there made was nobly attested all through his life, and in the hour of his death. Virtuous, modest, courageous, learned, dignified, rich, he gave up all for his country; and has left a name on the pages of history which every

20 WINFIELB, THE LAWYER'S SOK

American may well aspire to imitate and be proud to honor.

Coupled with the name of Hancock, the subject of our biography bears that of Winfield Scott. It is a pleasure to be able to record here the fact that the venerable Lieutenant-General acknowledged the compliment paid him, and very often expressed his deep personal interest in the career of the Pennsylvania boy, who still so worthily bears his distinguished name.

Chapter II

The Schoolboy Days of Hancock — His early Military Predilections — -Hits Youthful Friendships — The Permanent Impress of a good Home Moulds his Character — " Why, that big Boy out there Tried to Whip Me, and I wasn't going to let Him."

WE must now introduce the reader to the home of Winfield, at Norristown. It was the year 1835. His father was at that time a school teacher, and engaged in fitting himself for the profession of the law. The home of the boy was a good one.

How much is included in these few short words I The true homes of America are its chief glory. They are the only sure social foundations of the Kepublican temple. In every such country the boys of to-day, when properly qualified, are the electors of to-morrow. As they decide the franchise, so the destinies of the nation may be decided. An American boy, rightly educated, may justly aspire to any position within the compass of man to attain, or of man to bestow. Hence the incalculable importance of early instruction in America ; hence the immense interests of society and government that cluster around the hearth and shrine of the American home.

Such was the home of Winfield. His parents were sincere Christians. The altar of worship stood like a sanctuary within their doors ; and every day their family bowed with them before it. Morning and evening the incense of devotion ascended from that house. Nor did this hallowed home influence stop at the threshold. Impressed on the memory and heart, it went out into the duties of life. It made itself a motive in their thoughts, heard in their voices, and felt in their actions. It was not irresistible ; it was not all-controlling ; but, like the subtle air, it penetrated to every spot ; and even if its presence could not always regulate, it was always acknowledged as able to do so, if its inherent power for good should be allowed free sway.

It was in the domain of such a home as this that Winfield received his earliest impressions of character. The uniform record of him, in his boyhood, is, that he was obedient to his parents, truthful and courteous, cheerful, sociable, and manly.

A gentleman sitting in the office of Winfield's father, heard quite a tumult among the boys in the street. There were shouts and other signs of personal conflict, which drew Mr. Hancock and his friend to the door.

"Come here, my son," said the father, calling out "Winfield from the crowd.

The boy immediately obeyed, and came marching directly to the office door, his flushed face turned full on that of his father.

"What is the matter, Winfield?" inquired Mr. Hancock.

" Why, that big boy, out there, tried to whip me ; and / wasn't going to let him /"

" But he is a great deal larger than you are, my son."

" I know he is, father ; but he shan't whip me, for all that!"

It required some skill on the part of Mr. Hancock, aided by his visitor, to convince the lad that it was not his duty to go out and resume the fight, against all odds.

Another domestic scene, of an entirely different character, serves further to illustrate the boy.

Winfield and Hilary had come in together in the evening — for, being twins, they were then very seldom separate — and found their mother engaged in family affairs that would require her to remain up to a late hour. The father was necessarily absent, and she was alone with the children.

The two little boys moved about the house, attending to their tasks, as usual, until the time came to retire. The rooms were all still, save that in which the mother was engaged. The streets were almost vacant, and nearly quiet. The boys stood and looked at each other. They were tired of play. They had finished their studies. They had done their home errands. Both of them saw at a glance the state of the case ; and, simultaneously, they hit on a happy expedient. They immediately called a council of two — a twin council of twin brothers — and unanimously decided the following propositions :

First. It is the decision of this council that mother is not to be allowed to sit up alone.

Second. The council will sit up with her.

Third. The council shall divide the time into watches of one hour each.

Fourth. Each member of the council shall keep awake one hour, and sleep one hour, watch and watch, until mother puts us to bed.

These articles of agreement, having been duly assented to by both the high contracting parties, were faithfully carried out; until both members of the council, at a late hour, were tenderly led to their youthful slumbers.

The attachment existing between Winfield and his schoolmates developed itself in a great variety of ways, reflecting credit on his juvenile propensities. He was always regarded as a leader among the boys at Norristown. When the time came to organize the occasional village accompaniment of an amateur boy militia, he was at once selected, by common consent, to hold the distinguished post 'of captain. The memory of this little body of Home Guards is cherished with pride by many of its members, to this day. The matrons look back with pleasure on the fact that their hands helped to equip the juvenile soldiers ; and that when they appeared on parade, with mimic colors and music of tiny drum and flageolet, they cheered them on their marches, and served them freely with the required rations of lemonade and doughnuts.

The haymows and orchards in Norristown and vicinity will bear witness to the innocent raids of these budding patriots. In justice to them, it must be added that their depredations were never of a very serious character. They were generally welcome whenever they entered their temporary barracks, or camp-grounds; and usually found ample 3 opportunities to display their imitation martial deeds. Captain Winfield — perhaps owing to the significant fact that he bore the name of the then principal general of the United States army — always ' ruled the roster/ whether it assumed the form of a brigade, a regiment, or a battalion. His military experience, at the ripe age of twelve years, carried him triumphantly through every duty, — muster, parade, drill, inspection, and review. His personal appearance always commanded respect, at the head of his little troop. One peculiarity of paternal reverence often saved him trouble in the way of discipline. He always handed offenders over to their mothers. This was a capital idea of Captain Winfield's. It not only enabled him to avoid all the vexations of a court-martial, but it gave satisfaction to all concerned ; for if a good mother cannot bring a soldier to terms, who can?

The boy-circle of Winfield in Norristown had its social singing-school. Here, again, his companions clustered around ; for he was as popular in musical as he was in military affairs. His aid was especially valuable in this association, for its general management was conferred on his father, as chairman of a committee. On one occasion, when the singing-books were being given out, it so happened that a soiled copy fell into the hands of a playmate of "Winfield. Before he was aware of the defacements, the lad had written his name in the book, and thus it was too late to change it.

"Leave this matter to me," said Winfield ; "I'll see what can be done. You shall have a good book in the place of this."

"Thank you," replied his school-fellow; "but how will you do it ?"

"Let me manage that," Winfield quietly added — " you may be sure I will do it right ; for father, you know, is committee-man."

Without saying more, he took the soiled volume, and carefully erased the name his fellow-scholar had written in it. He then placed the book back in the pile, where he knew it must pass through the careful hands and under the scrutinizing eye of his father.

The time came. The school was all assembled and seated. The books were again to be given out. Mr. Hancock passed them, as usual, giving to each scholar his book, with his name in it. Directly he came to the soiled one. The name was erased !

"Who erased this name?" quietly asked the dignified chairman of the committee, holding up the book, and showing the defaced page.

" I did it, sir," promptly replied Winfield, standing up in his place.

" What did you do it for ?" continued the father.

" Because I didn't want that boy to have a soiled book, when I knew there were plenty of good ones, not used."

Mr. Hancock looked an instant at Winfield, and, with a calm smile, put back the soiled book in its place behind him. Giving the school-mate a perfect copy, he added :