Molara reflected on this tremendous military virtue. "Very well; give him the supporting brigade; they will have no fighting. But the other business; that is different. Brienz should have it." "Why not Drogan?" suggested the War-Minister. "I can't stand his wife," said the President. "He is a good musician, Sir," interposed Miguel. "Guitar,--very melodious." He shook his head appreciatively. "And has a capital cook," added Sorrento. "No," said Molara; "this is a matter of life and death. I cannot indulge my prejudices, nor yours; he is not a good man." "A good Staff would run him all right, Sir; he is very placid and easily led. And he is a great friend of mine; many's the good dinner----" "No, Colonel, it's no good; I cannot. Is it likely that when so much is at stake, when my reputation, my chances in life, indeed life itself, are on the hazard, that I or any one would give a great command on such grounds? If claims were equally balanced, I would oblige you; but Brienz is a better man and must have it. Besides," he added, "he has not got a horrid wife." Sorrento looked terribly disappointed but said no more. "Well, that is all settled. I leave all details to you. The Staff, everything, you may appoint; but the troops must start by noon. I will speak to them myself at the station." The War-Minister bowed and departed, solaced by the minor appointments which the President had left to his decision. Molara looked at his secretary dubiously. "Is there anything else to do? None of the revolutionaries in the city have moved, have they?" "They have given no sign, Sir; there is nothing to incriminate them." "It is possible this has surprised them; their plans are not ready. At the first overt act of violence or sedition, I will arrest them. But I must have proofs, not for my own satisfaction, but for the country." "This is a critical moment," said the Secretary. "If the leaders of the sedition could be discredited, if they could be made to appear ridiculous or insincere, it would have a great effect on public opinion." "I had thought," replied Molara, "that we might hope to learn something of their plans." "You have informed me that Her Excellency has consented to ask Señor Savrola for information on this point?" "I dislike the idea of any intimacy between them; it might be dangerous." "It might be made most dangerous for him." "In what way?" "In the way I have already indicated to you, General." "Do you mean in the way I forbade you to suggest, Sir?" "Certainly." "And this is the moment?" "Now or never." There was a silence, after which they resumed the morning's business. For an hour and a half both worked busily. Then Molara spoke. "I hate doing it; it's a dirty job."