“Has he written to you begging you to help him?”
“No, Sir George. It is because it is so sad for a man like that to sink so low as to suffer such a horribly degrading punishment.”
“I am glad it is that, Mr Darrell,” said the general coldly. “Then I am to presume that you take great interest in the men of your troop?”
“Oh, yes, sir!” cried Dick earnestly.
“And that you would put in a petition for any other man who was in a similar trouble?”
“I think I should, sir.”
“Well, Mr Darrell, this is a very disorderly proceeding on your part, but I feel that it is through a certain natural enthusiasm in a young man, who has certainly distinguished himself since he has been out here by his sterling endeavours to make himself an energetic officer, and, therefore, I feel disposed to try and meet you in this matter.”
“Oh, Sir George!”
“Silence!”
Dick drew himself up to attention, and the general went on.