A second orderly was sent off.
All the officers now looked grave. The general continued to question me. I had two things to think of at once,--replies to the general, and a plan to prevent a scene when the Doctor appeared.
"How far up the river was Lee's infantry this morning?"
"Near Jeffersonton, sir, moving on up." How could I keep the Doctor quiet? I knew not. I could only hope that his wonderful self-control would not even now desert him.
"How do you know they were still moving?"
"Hill's corps began to move just before day. I could hear the movement, sir." Doctor Khayme might save me or might undo me; on his conduct depended my peace for the future. If he should betray me, I should henceforth be a living curiosity.
"Why did you not start yesterday, sir?" asked the general.
The question was hard. It did not seem relevant. I knew not how to answer. I was silent.
"I asked why you did not start yesterday?"
"Start where, General?"