The young officers left their two seniors together, and as soon as they were alone Drummond frowned.
“Poor old Colonel!” he said sadly; “he has been getting weaker for days past, and your coming has finished him up. Don’t you see?”
“No,” said Bracy sharply. “What do you mean?”
“He has Colonel Graves to lean on now, and trust to save the ladies and the place. I shouldn’t be surprised to see him give up altogether and put himself in the doctor’s hands. Well, you fellows will help us to do the work?”
“Yes,” said Bracy quickly, “come what may.”
“We’re going to learn the art of war in earnest now, old chap,” said Roberts as soon as they were alone again.
“Seems like it.”
“Yes. I wonder whether we shall take it as coolly as this young Drummond.”
“I wonder,” said Bracy; “he’s an odd fish.”
“But I think I like him,” said Roberts.