“Is not that in keeping with what I have said about my fears?”

“Oblige me by explaining.”

“I fear to show you my fear.  Do I not refuse your offer for the purpose of concealing my fear?”

“And to conceal your imaginary fears, you accept the possibility—­the strong possibility—­of death,” said he, gravely.

“Yes,” I replied; “I do now, while death seems far, but what I shall do when it is near is not sure.”

“You are very stubborn,” said the Captain, in a stern voice, assuming again the relation of an officer.

“I do not mean it that way, Captain.”

“You have determined to consider yourself a coward, or at least to cherish fear; and no suggestion I can make seems to touch you.”

“I wish I could banish fear,” said I.

“Well, sir, determine to do it.  Instead of exerting your will to make yourself miserable, use it for a better purpose.”

“How can a man will?  How can he know that his resolution will not weaken in the time of trial?”

“It is by willing to do what comes next that a man can again will and will more.  Can you not determine that you will do what you are ordered to do?  Doubtless we shall march, to-morrow; have you not decided that you will march with us?”

“I had not thought of so simple a thing.  Of course, Captain, I expect to march.”

“And if the march brings us upon the battlefield, do you not know that you will march to the battlefield?”

“I expect to go into battle, of course, Captain.  If I did not, I should have no fear of myself.”

“Have as great fear of yourself as you wish.  Do you intend to run away when we get into battle?”

“I have no such intention; but when the time comes, I may not be able to have any intention at all.”

“At what point in the action do you expect to weaken?”

“How can I have any expectation at all?  I am simply untried, and fear the test.”

“You can determine that you will act the man,” said he.  Then, kindly:  “I have no fears that you will do otherwise, but”—­and here his voice again became stern—­“the determination will rid you of your present fears.  Exert your will, and this nightmare will go.”

“Can a man will to do an unknown thing in the future?”

“You can.  You can drive away your present fear of yourself, at the very least.”

“How can I do it, Captain?”

“I shall give you one more test.”

“Do anything you wish, Captain; only don’t propose anything that would confirm my fear.”

“Look at me—­now.  I am going to count three—­understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

“When I say ‘three,’ you will determine to continue in your present state of mind—­”

“No, no, Captain; I can’t do that!”

“Why, you’ve been doing nothing else for the last hour, man!  But allow me to finish.  You are going to determine to remain as you are, or you will determine to conquer your fears.  Now, reflect before I begin.”