He thanked me and scuttled away like a rabbit, and I sought Barraclough and explained.
"Ill?" said he. "Well, if he's ill——"
"He's ill enough to count," I said. "He's in a dead funk, and about as much use as a radish."
Barraclough's nose wrinkled in smiling contempt.
"Better make him steward and promote Jackson," he said. "He's part of a man, at any rate. They'll be on us before we know where we are."
"Do you think so?" I asked. "Well, to say the truth, Holgate puzzles me. Why did he make that offer?"
"Because he'll find it infernally difficult to get in here," said Barraclough easily. "Because it's a frontal attack all the way and a costly business. If it's a case of half the party going to glory they'll look out for a cheaper way first. That's why."
"You may be right," I answered. "But Holgate isn't exactly particular, and anyway I want to find out."
"Find out?" he echoed in surprise.
"Well, Holgate used a flag. Why shouldn't I in my turn?" I asked.