more smoothly, and there would not be so many blunders in carrying
out my orders. You will greatly add to your usefulness by acquiring
a knowledge of the language, and it would certainly enable you to
carry out with far less danger such commissions as those you were
just speaking of; for you might be asked a question, and if it
were replied to by your lackey, suspicions would be at once aroused.
You have ridden along this road before?"

"Several times, sir."

"Have you noted the features of the country -- I mean from a military
point of view?"

"I have nothing else to do as I ride along, sir. As I go I notice
where an ambuscade might be laid, either by ourselves or an enemy,
where we might expect to be opposed on our march forward, or where
a rear guard might check an enemy were we retiring before him."

"Good! the fate of a battle depends in nine cases out of ten upon
a knowledge of the ground, and in quickness in utilizing that
knowledge. Our journey today is only taken for that purpose. I
want to see for myself the country across which we shall at first
operate, to inspect the various routes by which we might advance,
or through which, if we find the enemy in too great a force to be
encountered, we should be obliged to retire. As we go you shall
point out to me the observations that you have made, and I shall
be able to judge whether the spots are well chosen for the purpose."