"Absolutely out of the question, Sergeant. You're second in command here, and there's no knowing at what moment I may be hit. Who's a good man, outside of yourself?"
"Private Kelly."
"Send for him."
Kelly lost no time in reporting.
"Private Kelly, do you think you can slip through the enemy's lines and carry a message from me to Captain Cortland?"
"I can, if any man in B Company can, sir," replied the soldier promptly, though without excitement.
"Who is the man you'd like best to have with you?"
"Slosson, sir."
"See if he wants the detail. I prefer that this shall be volunteer work."
In a few minutes Kelly returned, accompanied by Slosson.