"Bad for me if I do," said Magnus. "A foe in the rear is worth two in front."
"Then you generally fight?"
"People, or things?"
"Both."
"Well, as to the people," Magnus answered, "I have not been much tried. It depends on yourself somewhat, I fancy; and I have never been challenged since I entered the Corps."
"What would you do if you were?"
"What I would, is one thing," Magnus said rather slowly. "By my good leave, I should say no."
"Would you—and be pointed at?"
"You're sure to be pointed at for something," Magnus answered lightly. "It's a choice of cases."
"But I cannot imagine a man like you saying no!" said the girl eagerly. "Not fight, if you were challenged? You are brave, I know."