The Doctor made no reply, but hurried out of the room, leaving father and son together, when the Captain laid his hands upon his son’s shoulders.
“That was all very brave and well done, my boy,” he said. “Now I am going away quite at rest about you, for I know that you will do as you have promised.”
“Yes, father. But—”
“But what, Phil?”
“Oh, do, pray—pray, take me with you!”
Captain Carleton winced, and his hands tightened upon the boy’s shoulders, while his voice sounded husky as he spoke.
“Phil,” he said, “do you know what I am?”
“Yes, a soldier; one of the King’s captains, father.”
“Right, boy; and didn’t I tell you that a soldier must always do his duty?”
“Yes, father.”