s 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."

They parted. General Raimbaut looked back more than onc