“Surely the meaning is clear.”
“You won’t beat him?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“My reasons are my own.”
“You’ll be made to give them.”
“Oh!”
“By the Commander.”
“You intended to take this to the Commander?”
“Certainly I do; and a pretty fool you’ll look, young man. This obviously is an offence that can’t be passed over. There’s nothing for it but beatin’. The Commander will send you his orders.... Wouldn’t it be easier to give way now than then?”