"You did well in the far south and you performed a great service when you took relief to Colonel Talbot.

For that reason we have chosen you for a duty yet more arduous." Beauregard paused as if he were weighing the effect of his words upon Harry.

He had a singular charm of manner when he willed and now he used it all.

Colonel Talbot looked keenly at the boy.
"You have shown coolness and judgment," continued Beauregard, "and they are invaluable qualities for such a task as the one we wish you to perform." "I shall do my best, whatever it is," said Harry, proudly.
"You know that we have spent the month of June here, waiting," continued General Beauregard in those soft, persuasive tones, "and that the fighting, what there is of it, has been going on in the mountains to the west.

But this state of affairs cannot endure much longer.