It would be very unfortunate, no doubt, but in this case a general was of no consequence to the youth.
In a defeat there would be a roundabout vindication of himself.

He thought it would prove, in a manner, that he had fled early because of his superior powers of perception.

A serious prophet upon predicting a flood should be the first man to climb a tree.

This would demonstrate that he was indeed a seer.
A moral vindication was regarded by the youth as a very important thing.

Without salve, he could not, he thought, wear the sore badge of his dishonor through life.