The General sat frowning and perplexed. He was in haste to be rid of the sense that he was handling tainted money, and he was eager even to beggar himself to secure freedom from the load which lay upon his mind. ‘I wish you to understand, Major de Blacquaire,’ he said, ‘that I am pressing this matter for reasons personal to myself. I am placed in a most abominable and unbearable position. I have unwittingly been made a partner in a very shameful transaction, and I may tell you that I have not the faintest doubt in my own mind as to the justice of your cause. I do not feel that as a man of honour I am justified in retaining for a day money which has been actually stolen from another. I think I may say that it is your duty to relieve me from this burden. I must fight for my own hand afterwards; but I cannot consent to hold these gains a moment longer than is necessary for me to repay them.’ ‘Suppose, sir,’ said De Blacquaire, ‘that we submit this matter to an independent and high-minded arbiter. You know Colonel Stacey? He is in quarters at this moment, I believe, and I am sure he would give his judgment between us willingly, I feel so confident of his verdict that perhaps it’s hardly fair on my part to suggest the appeal to him.’ ‘I know Stacey well,’ said the General, ‘Colonel Stacey is a man of honour. I have a great respect for Stacey, and I will abide by his opinion. I feel assured that he will be on my side. Will you kindly take me to him?’ ‘Certainly, sir.’ The Major took up his forage cap, opened the door for his guest, and marshalled him into the open, where he saw the hated Polson standing at the side of the General’s carriage in conversation with a lady. His gorge rose within him at the spectacle, and it came into his mind that General Boswell might be as little pleased as he himself was. He asked a question by way of calling his companion’s attention. ‘That is your carriage, sir?’ ‘Ah, by the way,’ the General answered, ‘that reminds me. That is young Jervase standing there. His commission is probably in his agent’s hands to-day. He has learned the facts about this salt mine business, and he has thrown up what I know to have been the dearest hope of his life. He has joined as a recruit. He is a very fine and worthy fellow, Major de Blacquaire. I don’t know a better lad in the world, and I desire to bespeak your good will for him. A gentleman’s position in the ranks is not very tolerable; but a friend at court may make things easier for him.’ Now Major de Blacquaire had made a very excellent impression on the elder warrior, who thought that he had behaved honourably and with delicacy in respect to the unfortunate business which had brought them together; but he undid that impression most conclusively. ‘Should you call,’ he asked in his most deliberate and supercilious drawl, ‘should you call Mr. Polson a gentleman, sir?’