impressive than I can picture it in words, he arose slowly and extended
his hand.

"Captain Wayne," he said gravely, yet retaining his grasp, and with his
eyes full upon mine, "you are a much younger man than I expected to
see, yet I have selected you upon the special recommendation of your
brigade commander for services of the utmost importance. I certainly do
not hold your youth to be against your success, but I feel unwilling to
order you to the performance of this duty, which, besides being beyond
the regular requirements of the service, involves unusual risks."

"Without inquiring its nature," I said hastily, "I freely offer myself
a volunteer for any service which may be required either by the army or
yourself."

The kindly face brightened instantly, almost into a smile, and a new
look of confidence swept into the keen gray eyes.

"I felt, even as I spoke," he said, with a dignified courtesy I have
never marked in any one else, "that I must be doing wrong to question
the willingness of an officer of your regiment, Captain Wayne, to make
personal sacrifice. From our first day of battle until now the South
has never once called upon them in vain. You are from the ranks, I
believe?"

"I was a corporal at Manassas."

"Ah! then you have won your grade by hard service. You take with you
one man?"