"To return to the point. Nelson is lost. No power on earth can save him now."
"I do not look to any power on earth for help," replied the Parson solemnly.
"Let us talk as men," answered the other as solemn. "You have nothing to gain by holding out, and everything to lose. All that an honourable soldier could do you have done. Is it not now the part of true courage to accept the inevitable? For the last time, will you surrender?"
The great veins started on the Parson's forehead.
"Never!" he bawled. "Do your d'dest!"
The Gentleman turned and turned again.
"The blood of those boys be on your head, Mr. Joy!"
"Let the boys answer for themselves," retorted the Parson, short and sullen.
The Gentleman paused.
"Little Chap," he called, "will you come?—France is a fair country. You shall have Monsieur Moon-calf there for squire. Myself I will see to it that you are happy."