“No,” I said firmly, “I cannot.”
“Suppose I tell you that you must?” he said.
“It would make no difference,” I replied. “I must do my duty as a soldier.”
“You have done it, boy. Now come and do your duty by me.”
I shook my head.
“It is of no use for you to try and tempt me,” I said.
“I am not tempting you, only trying to show you that your fate has thrown you with me, and that you can do good here.”
“As a renegade,” I said hotly.
“No,” he rejoined; “I have not asked you to change your religion. But we will say no more to-day. You are angry, and an angry man makes more. I should be sorry to say harsh things to one who is weak, and whom I have made my friend.”
He smiled, and held out his hand.