"Nay, now, you are jesting."
"When did you ever hear of me jesting?"
"Not often, I admit. But you have a fertile genius, and I have always, myself, found it easier to be the executive than to plan an elaborate course of action for others."
"Then you throw it all on me?"
"I throw a weight, naturally enough, upon the shoulders which I think the best adapted to sustain it."
"Be it so, then—be it so."
"You are, I presume, from what you say, provided with a scheme of action which shall present better hopes of success, at less risk, I hope. Look what great danger we have already passed through."
"Yes, we have."
"I pray you avoid that in the next campaign."
"It is not the danger that annoys and troubles me, but it is that, notwithstanding it, the object is as far off as ever from being attained."