“Oho!” said the General, nodding. “That was cunningly done, sir.”

“No, sir. The idea was his own.”

General Sullivan laughed again, playing with the polished gorget at his throat.

“Do you never take any credit for your accomplishments, Mr. Loskiel?” he inquired.

“How can I claim credit for that which was not of my own and proper plotting, sir?”

“Oh, it can be done,” said the General, laughing more heartily. “Ask some of our brigadiers and colonels, Mr. Loskiel, who desire advancement every time that heaven interposes to save them from their own stupidities! Well, well, let it go, sir! It is on a different matter that I have summoned you here —