He of course felt no compunctions for proposing a general as a sacrifice.

He could not tell who the chosen for the barbs might be, so he could center no direct sympathy upon him.

The people were afar and he did not conceive public opinion to be accurate at long range.

It was quite probable they would hit the wrong man who, after he had recovered from his amazement would perhaps spend the rest of his days in writing replies to the songs of his alleged failure.

It would be very unfortunate, no doubt, but in this case a general was of no consequence to the youth.
In a defeat there would be a roundabout vindication of himself.