“Colonel,” said a low voice, and at the same time a hand was laid on his shoulder.

It was General Raimbaut.  The general looked pale and distressed.

“Come apart, colonel, for Heaven’s sake!  One word, while he is writing.  Ah! that was an unlucky idea of yours.”

“Of mine, general?”

“’Twas you proposed to cast lots.”

“Good God! so it was.”

“I thought of course it was to be managed so that Raynal should not be the one.  Between ourselves, what honorable excuse can we make?”

“None, general.”

“The whole division will be disgraced, and forgive me if I say a portion of the discredit will fall on you.”

“Help me to avert that shame then,” cried Camille, eagerly.

“Ah! that I will:  but how?”

“Take your pencil and write—­’I authorize Colonel Dujardin to save the honor of the colonels of the second division.’”

The general hesitated.  He had never seen an order so worded.  But at last he took out his pencil and wrote the required order, after his own fashion; i.e., in milk and water:—­

On account of the singular ability and courage with which Colonel Dujardin has conducted the operations against the Bastion St. Andre, a discretionary power is given him at the moment of assault to carry into effect such measures, as, without interfering with the commander-in-chief’s order, may sustain his own credit, and that of the other colonels of the second division.

Raimbaut, General of Division.

Camille put the paper into his bosom.

“Now, general, you may leave all to me.  I swear to you, Raynal shall not die—­shall not lead this assault.”

“Your hand, colonel.  You are an honor to the French armies.  How will you do it?”

“Leave it to me, general, it shall be done.”

“I feel it will, my noble fellow:  but, alas!  I fear not without risking some valuable life or other, most likely your own.  Tell me!”

“General, I decline.”

“You refuse me, sir?”

“Yes; this order gives me a discretionary power.  I will hand back the order at your command; but modify it I will not.  Come, sir, you veteran generals have been unjust to me, and listened to me too little all through this siege, but at last you have honored me.  This order is the greatest honor that was ever done me since I wore a sword.”.

“My poor colonel!”

“Let me wear it intact, and carry it to my grave.”

“Say no more!  One word—­Is there anything on earth I can do for you, my brave soldier?”

“Yes, general.  Be so kind as to retire to your quarters; there are reasons why you ought not to be near this post in half an hour.”

“I go.  Is there nothing else?”

“Well, general, ask the good priest Ambrose, to pray for all those who shall die doing their duty to their country this afternoon.”