Although Arthur wanted to enlist Hsuet to deal with Sir David Eckett, who was recklessly acting alone in the Caucasus region, along with the "The Times" reporter travelling with him, it didn't mean his conversation with Hsuet was without reservation.
The bayonet could indeed do many things, but relying on it with peace of mind was not easy.
Although this phrase was often used to describe the army, it was quite apt to describe Arthur's attitude towards Hsuet.
Arthur wasn't certain if Hsuet was truly ready to change his tune, and besides, if this Constitutional Soldier Captain reported the news that 'a British knight was in the Caucasus region contacting the local mountain guerilla forces' to the Third Bureau, it would also be quite an achievement.
If he were to think in reverse, if Arthur sat in the position of Count Benkendorf, the director of the Third Bureau, he would be quite willing to reward Hsuet with a major or even a lieutenant colonel's position for this information.
