“I’m sure they do, sir.”
“Humph! Well, I mustn’t damp them till the last extremity.”
“But surely, sir—” began Murray.
“I surely see that you do not know what I know, Mr Murray.”
“I suppose not, sir,” said the lad.
“But I do not see why you as a youth growing into manhood, and who are sharing with me the responsibilities of this position, should not know everything.”
“I think I do know everything, sir,” said Murray, smiling, “and see fully how precarious our position is.”
“Indeed, Mr Murray?” said the lieutenant sadly.
“Yes, sir; I think I see all, and it makes me feel very proud to know how brave and contented the men are, poor fellows! If I were in command, sir, I should be delighted to see the confidence the men have in their leader.”
“Hah! Yes, my dear boy,” said the lieutenant, smiling more sadly than before. “Well, I think that perhaps I shall tell you all.”