FRANK.  Oh, sir, General!  Let me be their leader.

HAVERILL.  I thought you had passed on.

FRANK.  Do not refuse me, sir. [HAVERILL looks at him a moment.
HEARTSEASE and KERCHIVAL exchange glances.

HAVERILL.  You are the man we need, my young friend.  You shall go.  Listen!  We wish to secure a key to the cipher despatches, which the enemy are now sending from their signal station on Three Top Mountain.  There is another Confederate Signal Station in the Valley, just beyond Buckton’s Ford. [Pointing.] Your duty will be this:  First, to get inside the enemy’s line; then to follow a path through the woods, with one of our scouts as your guide; attack the Station suddenly, and secure their code, if possible.  I have this moment received word that the scout and the men are at the fort, now, awaiting their leader.  Major McCandless, of my staff, will take you to the place. [Indicating the STAFF OFFICER.  FRANK exchanges salutes with him.] My young friend!  I do not conceal from you the dangerous nature of the work on which I am sending you.  If—­if you do not return, I—­I will write, myself, to your friends. [Taking out note-book.] Have you a father living?

FRANK.  My—­father—­is—­is—­he is—­

HAVERILL.  I understand you.  A mother?  Or—­

KERCHIVAL.  I have the address of Lieutenant Bedloe’s friends, General.

HAVERILL.  I will ask you to give it to me, if necessary. [Extends his hand.] Good-bye, my lad. [FRANK moves to him. HAVERILL grasps his hand, warmly.] Keep a brave heart and come back to us. [FRANK moves up stage.  Exit STAFF OFFICER.

FRANK.  He is my father still. [Exit.

HAVERILL.  My dead boy’s face! [Dropping his face into both hands.

HEARTSEASE. [Apart to KERCHIVAL.] He shall not go alone. [Aloud.]
General!  Will you kindly give me leave of absence from the command?

HAVERILL.  Leave of absence!  To an officer in active service—­and in the presence of the enemy?

KERCHIVAL. [Taking hand of HEARTSEASE. Apart.] God bless you, old fellow!  Look after the boy.

HAVERILL.  A—­h—­[With a sudden thought, turns.] I think I understand you, Captain Heartsease.  Yes; you may have leave of absence.

HEARTSEASE.  Thank you. [Salutes. HAVERILL and KERCHIVAL salute.  Exit HEARTSEASE.

KERCHIVAL.  Have you any further orders for me, General?

HAVERILL.  I wish you to understand the great importance of the duty to which I have just assigned this young officer.  General Sheridan started for Washington this noon, by way of Front Royal.  Since his departure, we have had reason to believe that the enemy are about to move, and we must be able to read their signal despatches, if possible. [Sitting.] I have ordered Captain Lockwood, of our own Signal