"The cornerstone of everything military is obedience--prompt, unfailing obedience, by everybody, soldier or officer, to his superiors.
Without it----" "Major Moxon," said an officer, entering and saluting, "the General presents his compliments, and desires to know why his repeated orders in regard to the furloughing of men have been so persistently disregarded." "Because," said the Surgeon, getting purplish-red about the cheeks and nose, "because the matter's one which I consider outside of his province--beyond his control, sir.

I am Chief of the Medical Department, as you are perhaps aware, sir." "We presumed that you were taking that view of the matter, from your course," answered the Aide calmly.

"I am not here to argue the matter with you, but simply to direct you to consider yourself under arrest.

Charges are being prepared against you, to which I will add specifications based on this interview.

Good afternoon, sir." The Aide saluted stiffly and moved away, leaving the Surgeon in a state of collapse at the prospect of what he had brought upon himself by his injudicious contumacy.