"That's all right. Ask."
"Let me go to-night."
"What's the use? One officer is enough, and you could not do any good by going along. I should be in command—"
"Let me go in your place!"
"Nonsense! It's almost certain death."
"I don't care. It's my chance. I can run the thing as well as you."
"Oh, anybody can run the thing, for that matter."
"My life is of no more value to the South or to me than yours. Come! You have had your chances, and improved them; give this to me."
Lacy hesitated.
"Sempland, you're a fool, as I said before. You're running away from the woman who loves you. You're risking your life."