"No; that's impossible."
"Why?" asked Warrisden.
"Because I should be arrested if we did," Stretton replied calmly.
"Arrested?" Warrisden exclaimed.
"Yes; you see I shall have to desert to-night."
Warrisden started from his chair.
"Surely there is an alternative?"
"None," replied Stretton; and Warrisden slowly resumed his seat. He was astounded; he had never contemplated this possibility. He looked at Stretton in wonder. He could not understand how a man could speak so calmly of such a plan. Why in the world had Stretton ever joined the Legion if he was so ready, at the first summons, to desert? There seemed an inconsistency. But he did not know Tony Stretton.
"You are surprised," said Tony. "More than surprised--you are rather shocked; but there is no choice for me. I wish with all my heart and soul there were," he suddenly exclaimed, with a sort of passion. "I have foreseen this necessity ever since you tapped me on the shoulder in the lane. Because I foresaw it, I would not walk with you to your camp. Were we seen together to-day, the reason of my absence might be the sooner suspected. As it is, I shall get a day's start, for I have a good name in the regiment, and a day's start is all I need."
He spoke sadly and wistfully. He was caught by an inexorable fate, and knew it. He just had to accept the one course open to him.