can we accuse them of cowardice?

No.

Assuredly not.

Who amongst the bravest could listen to such a sound unmoved?

To have been callous to such a thing would have shown them mere
senseless logs, nothing more.

"You know what that is?" she said, in a faint voice.

"We do," responded Harry Girdwood.

"And you?"

This was to young Jack.

"Yes."

The reply of both was given in a grave voice, befitting such a solemn
occasion.

Yet their voices never trembled, never faltered.

She understood them well, and her expression showed clearly as words
the admiration she felt for their courage.

"I am glad that you know the worst," she said, in a low but impressive