The colonel looked round in some embarrassment.
I could see his dilemma. It was the best man who should go, and
yet it was the best man whom he could least spare.
"Sir," said I, "may I be permitted to make a suggestion?"
He looked at me with a hard eye. He had not forgotten my
observations at supper. "Speak!" said he.
"I would point out, sir," said I, "that this mission is mine both
by right and by convenience."
"Why so, Captain Gerard?"
"By right because I am the senior captain. By convenience
because I shall not be missed in the regiments since the men have
not yet learned to know me."
The colonel's features relaxed.
"There is certainly truth in what you say, Captain Gerard," said
he. "I think that you are indeed best fitted to go upon this
mission. If you will come with me I will give you your
instructions."
I wished my new comrades good-night as I left the room, and I
repeated that I should hold myself at their disposal at five
o'clock next morning. They bowed in silence, and I thought that
I could see from the expression of their faces that they had
already begun to take a more just view of my character.
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