general
[Saluting.
To command, your Excellency! It is good that some one looks out for the honor of the army.
[Saluting again.
Good night, gentlemen!
[The minister of war half rises and bows slightly. The chief of staff nods. Exit the general.
chief of staff
[With a flash in his old eyes.
Ha! Once more to have those fellows behind me. Think of it! Each man of them represents fifty thousand. And behind them another million and another! God! What a machine to handle.
[He slaps his forehead.