"I confess it, Captain; and you have done me good."
"Of course, Jones, you know that I did not expect you to accept my offer, which, after all, was merely imaginary. Now, can you not see that what you fear is men's opinions rather than danger? You are not intimidated at the prospect of battle."
"I fear that I shall be," said I.
"And yet, when I propose to keep you out of battle, your indignation seems no less natural to yourself than it does to me."
"Is not that in keeping with what I have said about my fears?"
"Oblige me by explaining."
"I fear to show you my fear. Do I not refuse your offer for the purpose of concealing my fear?"
"And to conceal your imaginary fears, you accept the possibility--the strong possibility--of death," said he, gravely.
"Yes," I replied; "I do now, while death seems far, but what I shall do when it is near is not sure."
"You are very stubborn," said the Captain, in a stern voice, assuming again the relation of an officer.