“Right,” said he; “you shall have Jones the second if he can be found.”

“We must not risk a common man, General; better do without such a man.  He might get himself caught and endanger your whole plan.”

“I think we can find a good man.  Now, before we leave this, I must tell you that Colonel Warren’s brigade will join in the movement.  Warren is now at Old Church; he will march by the road that you were on yesterday, while we march upon roads at his left.  You understand?”

“Yes, General.”

“Then that is all.”

“May I say a word, General?”

“Yes; certainly.”

“I trust Colonel Warren’s movement will be delayed.  He has a shorter distance to make.  If the rebels get wind of his movement before they know of yours, they will almost be sure to change position.”

“That has been thought of,” said he; “and Warren is instructed not to attack until everything is ready.  However, I shall speak to General Porter again about this.”

“Can I see Jones, General?”

“Yes; I can send him to you.  When do you start?”

“To-morrow morning, sir.”

“At what hour?”

“After breakfast.”

“Can you think of nothing else you need?”

“I should like to have a good field-glass, General.”

“Nothing else?”

“Some tobacco—­chewing tobacco; I should not trouble you about that, but I know that Dr. Khayme has none.”

“What do you want with the tobacco?” he asked, laughing.

“A man asked me for some, night before last,” said I, “and I could not help him.”

“And you want to find him and give it to him?” he asked, yet laughing.

“Oh, no, sir; but I thought I might find another occasion for it.”

“Well, I’ll send it through Jones.”

“Let it be common plug tobacco, if you please.”

“Just as you wish.  Now, here is your glass.  It is one of my own, or rather it was mine; it is yours hereafter.”

“Thank you, General; I think it will be of great use.  Is there anything about it to betray me?”

“No; it is English, and has no private mark.  You are sure you have thought of everything?”

“I think so, General; if anything important occurs to my mind before we start, I’ll let you know.”

“Be sure to do it.”

Jones came about eight o’clock.  He told me that he and a man named Frank were ordered to go with me.  Frank, as well as Jones, I learned, was chosen from the escort of General Porter.  I told Jones what we should need, and he promised to be ready.

In Dr. Khayme’s tent there was not much talk that night.  Lydia sat silent and seemingly depressed.  The Doctor said that our left wing had crossed the Chickahominy.  Nobody responded.  Then he tried to start an argument about the loss of spiritual power caused by war, but meeting no encouragement from me, gave it up.  The truth is that I needed rest and sleep.  When the Doctor had had his first smoke, Lydia rose and took his pipe from him.  “We must tell Mr. Berwick good night, Father.  He has work to do to-morrow.”