"We have decided to attack the outworks on the 7th of the month."
"But I dissent," began General Bosquet.
"Did you not hear me? I tell you we have decided to attack. You are only called together to arrange how it can best be carried out."
"I have a paper here in which I have argued out the principles on which an attack should be conducted," said another, General Niel, an engineer.
"Ah!" said Pélissier, "you gentlemen are very clever—I admit your scientific knowledge—but when I want your advice I will ask for it."
While this conversation was in progress, the English officers present were whispering amongst themselves with undisguised satisfaction at finding that the new commander-in-chief of the French, unlike his predecessor, was well able to keep his subordinates in order; and, all useless discussion having been cut short, the plan of attack was soon arranged.
"Well," said Lord Raglan, "it is all clear. We shall begin by a heavy cannonade."
"To last four-and-twenty-hours," said Pélissier, "and then the assault."
"At what hour?" asked Lord Raglan.
"Daylight, of course!" cried two or three French generals in a breath.