"Not more certain is it that the next Sabbath will dawn, than that the force I have the honor to command will attempt the assault upon that day."
"What, within three days? You would seem to hold us cheaply, General," said the American piquedly, "that you do not even leave us in doubt as to the moment of your intended attack."
"And if I would, it were useless," was the reply, "since what I do attempt shall be attempted openly. In the broad face of day will I lead my troops to the trenches. By this time, however, your chief must know my determination— where, may I ask, did you pass my flag?"
"I met with none, General, and yet my boat kept as nearly in the middle of the stream as possible."
"Then must ye have passed each other on the opposite sides of Turkey Island. The officer in charge was moreover accompanied by two of the prisoners to whom I have alluded —one a field officer in your own regiment."
"May I ask who?" interrupted the American quickly, and slightly coloring.
"Major Montgomerie."
"So I suspected. Was the other officer of my regiment?"
"The other," said the General, "bears no commission, and is simply a volunteer in the expedition—one in short, whose earnest wish to reach Detroit, was the principal motive for my offering the Major his liberty on parole."
"And may I ask the name of this individual, so unimportant in rank, and yet so filled with ardor in the cause, as to be thus anxious to gain the theatre of war?"