Their mood was heavy; their tone morose. A sadness had settled upon them like the blanket of the night. Only the moon climbing into the heavens radiated glory.
"Come! Away with those dismal topics!" exclaimed the General. "This is the time for rejoicing."
"Can you rejoice?" inquired the visitor.
"I, too, should be happy, but I fear, alas, I am not. My people give me no peace."
"Why not render your country a lasting service?"
"How?"
"By performing a heroic deed that will once for all put an end to this unseemly conflict."
"Never! I have been shattered twice for my efforts. I am done with active field duty."
"I do not think of that," Anderson assured him.
"Of what, then?"