Looking the minister steadily in the face, but not seeing him, seeing instead a field of battle, he said slowly, biting each word: "I--will--yet--carry--out--this plan.

I--will--think.

It--must be done." The minister said nothing, standing and staring at the general like one fascinated.

He had never seen Jackson that way before.

His face was lined with thought and his eyes burned like coals of fire.