"He did say something like that," smiled Calvert, with an uneasy
recollection, however, that it was THE part of his superior's
speech that particularly impressed him.

"Of course," said Kirby gravely, "THAT, as an infantry officer, is
clearly your duty."

"And don't forget, George," said Rollins still more gravely, "that,
whatever may befall you, you belong to a section of that
numerically small but powerfully diversified organization--the
American Army. Remember that in the hour of peril you can address
your men in any language, and be perfectly understood. And
remember that when you proudly stand before them, the eyes not only
of your own country, but of nearly all the others, are upon you!
Good-bye, Georgey. I heard the major hint something about whiskey.
They say that old pirate, Kingfisher Culpepper, had a stock of the
real thing from Robertson County laid in his shebang on the Marsh
just before he died. Pity we aren't on terms with them, for the
cubs cannot drink it, and might be induced to sell. Shouldn't
wonder, by the way, if your friend M'Caffrey was hanging round
somewhere there; he always had a keen scent. You might confiscate
it as an "incitement to desertion," you know. The girl's pretty,
and ought to be growing up now."

But haply at this point the sergeant stopped further raillery by
reporting the detachment ready; and drawing his sword, Calvert,
with a confused head, a remorseful heart, but an unfaltering step,
marched off his men on his delicate mission.