understand that I wholly believe your word."

He stopped, extended his hand, and I accepted it silently.

"There must surely be some grave personal reason which seals your
lips?" he questioned.

"There is."

"I thought as much. I chanced to overhear the words, or rather a
portion of them, which Brennan whispered, and have no doubt if they
were explained to the General he would feel more kindly disposed toward
you."

It was asked as a question, and I felt obliged to reply.

"I appreciate deeply your desire to aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which compel me for the present to silence. Indeed my
possible fate does not so greatly trouble me, only that I possess a
strong desire to have freedom long enough to cross swords with this
major of yours. The quarrel between us has become bitterly personal,
and I hunger for a chance to have it out. Do you know, is he a man who
would fight?"

The young fellow stiffened slightly.

"We are serving upon the same staff," he said more abruptly, "and while
we have never been close friends, yet I cannot honorably take sides
against him. He has been out twice within the last three years to my
knowledge, and is not devoid either of courage or skill. Possibly,