Mr. Upton spoke slowly and emphatically; he knew he often preached above the heads of his little hearers, and he strove to speak in simple language now.
Teddy remained very silent; then he said, 'And if I enlist, shall I have to be God's soldier for ever and ever, till I'm an old man of a hundred, with white hair and no teeth?'
'Would you rather be one of the devil's soldiers?'
'No.'
'You are quite right to think it over. I would rather you did not decide too hastily. Go home and think it out. And come and tell me when you have decided.'
The boy's white brow was crumpled with anxious creases.
'I should like to be one of God's soldiers, but who shall I have to fight? Any real enemies, or only make believe?'
'I will tell you about your enemies after you have enlisted. I can show you one very real one that is your worst enemy.'
'Can you? A real live one?'
'A real live one.'