The Major twirled his mustaches thoughtfully.
In the last of the daylight he looked like a lean, white cat.
His coolness began to wear on Hindwood's nerves. “I suppose your men are hidden. Let's make an end.”
“I have no men.” The Major spoke slowly. “You forget that this woman is my wife. I wished to spare her as much as possible by making the arrest myself!” His eyes narrowed shrewdly. “How did you manage to secure her?”
“Luck. She had an accident. It's too long a story. She can't get away. I'm through; I've done my share.”
As he turned to go, the older man stretched out a delaying hand. His iron discipline wavered. “It's not a cheerful task. If you'll be so good as to stay—”
“If you feel like that—”
“I daren't allow myself to feel. It's something I owe my country.”
As though afraid that he would weaken, the Major set out at a run across the turf. Outside the hut he waited. As Hindwood caught up with him, he whispered:
“Two men against one woman! For an old soldier it isn't gallant.”