"It was necessary; the insurgents don't give us much time to breathe. You know it is Joan Obrevic's son who is now causing us the most trouble."
"And this son is chief of the tribe, and is making every exertion to avenge his father. It often occasions me great anxiety, Gerald. You have told me your experiences, but you have not mentioned how often that vengeance has already threatened you. I learn from your comrades that you have hitherto escaped these open and secret snares as though by a miracle."
The young officer merely shrugged his shoulders.
"I am in the hands of a higher power, and--it is true--I have been of late so often and so wonderfully preserved that I have learned to trust this protection."
"But he who defies danger, as according to the other officers is your custom, also defies Providence. Your life does not belong only to yourself, others have a claim upon it."
"My mother--yes!" said Gerald slowly. "I sometimes forget that she is anxious about me."
"And your promised wife?"
The young man silently fixed his eyes upon the floor.
"I hope you have letters from her? Our mail communication with Cattaro is tolerably regular."
Gerald looked up, and doubtless read in the priest's glance that he knew more than he cared to show, for he said quickly: