“Good heavens!” cried Dick, “we never heard of this.”
“No, sir; I didn’t want to be in the doctor’s hands again, and my leave stopped. Besides, a bit of sticking-plaster was enough, for it was only the skin divided. I shouldn’t have told anybody now, only I was obliged.”
“This is serious, Hanson,” said Dick thoughtfully.
“Very, sir; and it shows the need for care. I will not be obtrusive, only follow you pretty close.”
“But it makes me seem like a coward.”
“There is nothing cowardly in taking precautions to preserve one’s life, sir.”
“Well, no,” said Dick thoughtfully.
“Then I may come, sir?”
“Yes, for I will not alter my plans,” replied Dick. “You astound me, though.”
“I am glad you feel the truth, sir. Quite half the people like us, and are for the king; but the rest are—well, sir, it’s like having the ground mined under our feet, I’m sure.”