The field-officer of the day is now announced by the orderly.
"Come in, Captain; take a seat, sir. Are you aware, Captain, that a rifle has been fired this morning, outside the camps, in violation of general orders?"
"I—I think I heard it," stammers the Captain, taking it for granted that he is guilty of something, but not knowing what.
"Do you know who the offender is?" demands the Colonel, his brow beginning to blacken like a stormy heaven over the ignoramus.
"I do not, sir. I will inquire, if you wish, Colonel."
"If I wish! My God, sir! of course I wish it. Haven't you already inquired? My God, sir! what do you suppose your duties are?"
"I didn't know that this was one of them," pleads the now miserable Captain.
"Don't you know, sir, that you are responsible for every irregularity that happens within the grand guards and outside the camps, while you are field-officer of the day? Don't you know that you are responsible for the firing of this rifle?"
"Responsible," feebly echoes the Captain, not seeing the fact as yet, but nevertheless very much troubled.