“Eh?” cried the director. “To be sure, yes, I did—in that speech I made to the volunteers; but then you’re not everybody, and—er—er—you see, what I said was in a speech, and sometimes one says more then than one quite means.”
“There’ll be no work doing in the office, sir,” said Ingleborough; “and I hope you will not place any obstacles in the way of our going.”
“Oh no, my dear boys! I feel that I must not; but I don’t like you to run such a terrible risk.”
“We must all run risks, sir,” said West gravely.
“And I beg your pardon: our time is up for seeing the Commandant,” said Ingleborough, referring to his watch.
“Yes, I heard you were to go to him,” said the director. “But it sounds very rash. There, go on, and come to me afterwards.”
They parted, and a few minutes later the young men were ushered into the Commandant’s room.
“Then you have not repented, my lads?” he said, smiling.
“No, sir,” replied West, speaking for both; “we are quite ready to go.”
“Then I must take you both at your word. But once more I give you both the opportunity to draw back if you like.”