He saluted the Colonel, and said quietly: "I have come, sir, to give myself up--I am the man, John Lawrence, who struck Sergeant McGillicuddy last January, and deserted." "You were a great fool," replied the Colonel, "I think it was a clear case of a fool's panic." "All I have to say, sir," said Lawrence, after a moment, "is, that I had no intention of deserting until I struck the Sergeant and got frightened.
And I've been trying to get back for the last two months.

Mr.Broussard can tell you all about it." "Mr.Broussard has told me all about it," said the Colonel.

"Consider yourself under arrest until nine o'clock tomorrow morning, when you will report at the headquarters building.

Meanwhile, go to your wife; she is a million times too good for you." "I know it, sir," replied Lawrence.
"And my wife is a million times too good for me," added the Colonel, reflectively.
Lawrence went out and Broussard rose to go.
"You have not asked me to consider this talk as confidential," said the Colonel, "nevertheless, I shall so consider it.

As your Colonel, I advise and require that you should say nothing about Lawrence's relationship to you.