CHAPTER V.
SAM LAYS HIS PLANS.
Half an hour later Sam Hardwicke entered General Jackson's private office, and was received with some little surprise upon the commander's part.
"Why, you're the young man who reported in command of some young recruits, are you not ?" he asked.
Sam replied that he was.
"I didn't understand it so," replied Jackson, "when Walker recommended you for this service.

However, it is all the better so, because _I_ know your devotion, and Tandy has assured me of your competence.

Sit down, our talk is likely to be a long one." When Sam was comfortably seated, with his hat "hung up on the floor," as Tandy Walker would have said, the general resumed.
"You understand of course," he said, "that whatever I say to you, must be kept a profound secret, now and hereafter, whether you go on the expedition I have in mind or not." "You may depend upon my discretion, sir.

I think I know how to be silent." "Do you?
Then you have learned a good lesson well.

Take care that you never forget it.