Roy spoke out impulsively the idea uppermost in his mind, as Jack and his cousin, Bob Monke, walked up.
"I say, Jack—if Den were but here!"
Jack made a sound of commiseration.
"I often think how lucky it was I knocked down that wretched bust, and got myself sent to Bitche. But for that—why, I might be kicking up my heels at Verdun, to this very day. Odd!—when one comes to think!—it seemed about the worst thing which could have happened to me. One never does know at the time. I know I wouldn't undo it all now."
Roy was young, but he lived in a moralising age.
Jack nodded general assent. "Where have you been? We couldn't find you."
"Took a look at the cathedral. It's a jolly fine building. Any number of centuries old."
"There's Napier. I want a word with him."
Jack dashed off towards an aide-de-camp of Sir John, Captain George Napier, one of a gallant trio of brothers, all present in this expedition. Roy did not follow. Bob Monke was remarking, in his dreamy voice,—"Men in uncommonly good condition."
"Fit for anything!" agreed Roy.