“Yes, sir,” said Dick: “I feel that. I know it is, but I do not come to you as the general in command, but as my father’s old school-fellow and friend.”
“Your father’s old school-fellow and friend has nothing to do with the matter, sir,” replied Sir George sternly. “It is the officer in command here who has signed and approved of the sentence. Young man, I never allow friendship to bias my duty to the Government who have trusted me.”
“Of course not, Sir George.”
“Then why did you come to me as your father’s friend?”
“Because I was young and ignorant, Sir George, I suppose, and in my eagerness to save that poor fellow.”
“Exactly. You are young and impulsive, sir. This is not at all correct.”
“I beg your pardon, Sir George. I have done wrong in the way I came,” said Dick earnestly. “Let me come to you, then, as my officer whom I wish to obey.”
“But this is not in proper form, Mr Darrell. You should have written.”
“I suppose so, sir.”
“Well, as you are here, tell me what induces you to come and plead for this poor fellow, as you call him.”