"We are at war—you are impatient—well, you admit that. Now, the officer who was assaulted was a sentry; an attack on a sentry during war time is an offense punishable by death, and the colonel commanding orders it within twenty-four hours."
"Who is the officer in command?"
"I am."
"But you have not ordered Bob's execution?"
"No, fortunately my superior happened to be here at the time. He gave the order, I shall carry it out."
"Where can he be found?"
"That I know not, for he left no word where he was going; but he is not expected home until the morning."
"What is the use of our staying here?" asked Tempest, sotto voce.
The officer heard the question, however, and took it upon himself to answer.
"Nothing, unless you like to sit by the fire and await the execution."