"
"I don't think it makes much difference one way or the other,"
Bathurst said wearily. "I have known all along that Isobel Hannay
would not marry a coward, only I have gone on living in a fool's
paradise. However, it is over now--the sooner it is all over the
better."
"My dear fellow," the Doctor said earnestly, "don't take this thing
too much to heart. I don't wish to try and persuade you that it
is not a grave misfortune, but even suppose this trouble takes the
very worst form possible, I do not think you will come so very badly
out of it as you anticipate. Even assuming that you are unable to
do your part in absolute fighting, there may be other opportunities,
and most likely will, in which you may be able to show that although
unable to control your nerves in the din of battle, you possess in
other respects coolness and courage. That feat of yours of attacking
the tiger with the dog whip shows conclusively that under many
circumstances you are capable of most daring deeds."
Bathurst sat looking down for some minutes. "God grant that it may
be so," he said at last; "but it is no use talking about it any
more, Doctor. I suppose Major Hannay will keep a sharp lookout over
the men?"
"Yes; there was a meeting of the officers this afternoon. It was
agreed to make no outward change, and to give the troops no cause
whatever to believe that they are suspected. They all feel confident
of the goodwill of the men; at the same time they will watch them
closely, and if the news comes of further trouble, they will prepare
the courthouse as a place of refuge.
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