"Always," Alexander agreed.
Rives plunged into the heart of his mission.
"Gentlemen, so desperate is the situation of the South that our only hope lies in our great Commander. The Confederate Congress has sent me to offer him the Dictatorship—"
"You don't mean it?" Stuart exploded.
"Will you back me?"
The Cavalry leader grasped his hand.
"Yours to count on, sir!"
"Yes," Gordon joined.
"We'll back you!" Alexander cried.
Rives' face brightened.