"Why, I have another cable from Phil," he replied.
"Is he ill or hurt? Don't hold back—I want to know!"
"No, he's well. It isn't that. It's—well—it's asking our permission——"
"I know! He wants to fight!"
Now, how could she guess that? But she was an amazing woman, as he had often said.
"Yes." He passed the cablegram to her.
"I'm not surprised," she said, after reading it. "I'd been fearing it all along."
"Yes, he could not stand by and see such wrong done without wanting to strike his blow. I honour him for it."
"But he's Phil—the only boy we have!"
"I am leaving it to you," the Doctor concluded. "He will not if you say not."