“I do,” said Hal, stepping forward.
“And I,” cried Chester, also advancing a step.
General Tromp turned to General Joffre.
“And you take the word of those two upstarts in preference to mine?” he demanded.
“I do,” said the general quietly, “upon the advice of General Sir John French, who vouches for the truth of their story. Besides, your actions just now have convicted you. Come, Tromp, further denial is useless. Dersi has confessed.”
“Dersi!” exclaimed Tromp, his fingers twitching. “If I could just get my hands on him for one minute——”
“But you can’t,” said General Joffre. “He is dead. And he died with a clear conscience, as I hope you will do.”
“What do you mean?” cried Tromp, starting back.
“Exactly what I say,” was General Joffre’s chilling reply. “You have your choice. Either the way I mean, or to be publicly hanged as a traitor. If possible, I desire to avoid publicity. Which shall it be?”