"I am at this moment the only one who knows the way," he said, "the only one who can go in it. The path cannot be described; to confide the mission to another, would be to imperil its success at the outset." "But," returned the major, in a voice full of repressed emotion; "I can now do without you least of all, and I repeat it to you, the possibility of finding the path open is too small; the probability is you would all be shot down!" "Perhaps, and perhaps not! In any event, this possibility shall not hold me back from a venture, that you would entrust to a common soldier." The major stepped hastily to him and reached him his hand. "You are right!" he said simply. "Well, then, go in God's name! If you succeed, you rescue some hundreds of my brave boys, if not--well, he who dies from a stray bullet, meets none the less a hero's death.--How many men will you take with you?" "Not any! If we are attacked we must yield to numbers, and where one falls, the others are not likely to escape. It would be to sacrifice men uselessly, as a single one will suffice to carry the message. Besides, a number might greatly enhance the danger; a single person would be more likely to escape discovery." The old superior officer, with undisguised admiration, gazed upon the young poet and dreamer, as Walter was often enough jestingly called, but who, once aroused from his reverie, had shown such a cool, energetic, practical good sense, in even the minutest details of the service. He indeed divined nothing of the storm which had just been raging in this man's soul, or the source of the calmness with which he rushed into danger. "And you will go alone? When do you think of starting?" "Not for an hour. I must wait until the moon rises, as I need its full light to show me the way to the heights.--Even though some unforeseen hindrance should arise, I have plenty of time." "Well, then, gentlemen," said the major to the other officers, "go now, and prepare yourselves for any alarm that may be given tonight. Herr Captain, see that the posts are doubly guarded, that the orders previously given are exactly carried out. I will meantime advise with Lieutenant Fernow." The officers obeyed, but at the door, the captain turned around once more. "Good-night, Lieutenant Fernow!" he said. A smile flitted over Walter's lips; too well he knew the meaning of the farewell. "Good-night, captain! Good-night, gentlemen!" Then turning, he met the eyes of Doctor Behrend resting gravely and reproachfully upon him. "Do you then care nothing at all for your life?" he asked beneath his breath. "No!" was the melancholy answer given in the same tone. The doctor sighed. "I shall see you before you leave?" "Probably! But go now, Robert!" With another and still heavier sigh, the surgeon followed the others, and Walter remained alone with the major and the adjutant. CHAPTER XXII. A Fearful Alternative.