Seating himself at Ned's invitation, the General began:
"What do you think of our little camp by this time?"
"It is great!" heartily responded Ned. "I like it!"
"And the principle, is it not a correct one?"
"I think so," replied the lad. "I believe it is a grand idea to teach the men everything possible about the matter before sending them out on the firing line. Do they seem to learn readily?"
"Yes," was the answer, "but we are in need of one thing. We must have more instructors! There are not enough men who can teach!"
What Ned dreaded he saw all too plainly was coming.
"Do you not perceive our need of men?" continued his questioner.
"Yes, sir, I can," returned Ned. Then, as if determined to meet the issue squarely, he went on, looking straight into the other's face:
"If it were not for the fact that we are citizens of the United States and, therefore, neutral, I would be delighted to offer my services in any way they might be used. We are on a mission that requires our time and utmost energy, however, and it would be out of the question for us even to think of such a possibility."