"Gentlemen!" cried the general, "will you allow me—I want to see this man," and they were presently alone.
The general leaned back and looked at Gard critically. He began:
"Captain Windham—mm—these theatrical performances by officers for the entertainment of privates—umm—this disgraceful mimicry of—mm—myself—this disrespect leading to insubordination—"
"I beg your pardon, sir. It was not intended—"
"I was about to say," thundered the general, "when you interrupted me, that I don't believe the commander-in-chief would approve. Personally. I'd have given something to be there. I have about me, I believe, another cigar. Sit down."
He spoke in a jerky way, coming down on selected words with emphasis.
"I have need of a particular kind of a man. It occurs to me you may be that kind—mm—a certain variety, perhaps, of talent. It's a bit of secret service. Well, now look here. It is this. The War Department wants private information about the actual effective numbers—if possible—and condition, of the enemy—at present. I will tell you more. The estimates that come to it from the commander-in-chief are—I quote the word—'contradictory.' It is suspected that those estimates depend—I still quote—'on the impression that gentleman wishes to make on the department or the public.' The suspicion may be wrong; or it may be that a change is going to be made in commanders; or, at any rate, 'before issuing a definite order to the present commander'—it needs information independent of the regular source. Do you understand?"
"So far as you've gone, sir."
"Oh—mm—exactly. That's right. No doubt it is procuring other sources. That's no business of ours. I've been asked—confidentially—to furnish one source—mm—The impersonation of Dunker elders and generals of divisions implies—mm—also I know your record—mm—Captain Windham, I am at the present moment guilty of insubordination and treachery to my superior officer. I am also giving away what amounts perhaps to a state secret. I am doing so—for the reason—that your discretion must be relied on, anyway, and you cannot understand too clearly the point to be gained. This information must reach either me, or the department directly—preferably the latter—and no one else. You see the point?"