"Late!"
"The train was late, sir!"
"And you have disobeyed orders!" grumbled Partow.
"Disobeyed orders? How, sir?"
"And you look me in the eye as you always do! You think that excuses you, perhaps?"
"No, sir. But I am bound to ask what orders?"
"Well, not orders, but my instructions; at least, my desire. Flying yourself—directing a man[oe]uvre—racing the Grays!"
"You heard about it?"
"I hear about everything! I have told you not to risk your life. Lives are assets of various kinds in an army. It is my business to determine the relative value of those of my subordinates. You are not to sacrifice yours."
"I haven't yet, sir. I have it with me this morning," Lanstron replied, "and I have some news about our thousandth chance."