"You are leaving the camp?"
"I am."
"To go in search of intelligence, no doubt?"
"I admit that is my intention."
"Then, general, it is to me that mission belongs."
"Ay! how is that?" said the astonished general.
"Good God! general, that is very plain; I am but a poor devil of an officer, and owe everything to you."
"What then?"
"The peril I shall run, if peril there be, will not in any way compromise the success of the expedition; whereas——"
"If you are killed."