"If ever I do return," I added.
"True; but you can thank yourself that you are thrusting your head into the noose, with your eyes open."
"Then Your Excellency gives me leave to join as a volunteer?"
"We shall see—we shall see."
"But, Your Excellency, a man likes time for preparations."
"That is your own affair, sir,—though I may say that, at present, I feel disposed to grant you the favor. I shall let you know in good time."
With this I was forced to be content. The General rose to enter his office, with a pompous gesture of dismissal.
But upon my return to my friend's quarters, he and Mrs. Pike and Lieutenant Wilkinson joined in assuring me that, since the General had not refused me point blank, I had every reason to expect a favorable decision.