"To go on some important service. I expect," continued the captain, "it is to visit the camp of Price as a spy. There has nothing been said about the men going with us, or with the officer who may volunteer to go, and of course the general would not expect an officer of the cadets to take men from other regiments, and ours are all engaged in building the bridge." "Have you received any definite order?" "Yes, and I at once sent for you all. The order includes our names, and we are to report to the general at four o'clock. It is now two." "Anything to relieve this present monotony. I for one am tired of it. I came to Missouri to fight, and not to run. True, we are running _after_ Price, but that does not satisfy me. I confess that I am ambitious, and I want to do something that will bring my name prominently before the world; and I want--" "Coffee, sir," said William, entering the tent. "Go on, adjutant William, place the coffee upon the table. You were saying that you want--" "Whiskey, sir," again repeated William, as he handed a bottle toward his captain, which he had taken from the mess-chest. "William, be quiet; don't speak again," said the captain. "I won't, captain, but I heard the adjutant say he wanted something, and I thought of course it was the black bottle." "Silence, Nettleton." "I will, captain. Shall I make it hot?" "Nettleton, will you shut your mouth?" "I can't, captain, my teeth are too long." "Go after some wood for my fire, William. Take your squad with you." "Yes, captain." In a moment Nettleton was heard calling: "Here, ye darn lazy skunks you, captain wants some wood. Come, be quick, or I will have you all in the guard-house." "Now, adjutant, what were you going to say?" "Merely, that I want my parents, my relatives, to feel that I have done something that they may be proud of me!" "Adjutant, that is a natural impulse of the human heart. But this is not your only motive?" The captain fixed a piercing look upon him. He bent his head for a moment and was silent. At that instant the band struck up the Star-Spangled Banner.