"I thought it better not to go into particulars," Pariset remarked to Kenneth as they went on. "There might have been a row."
"It's just as well," said Kenneth. "But, I say, I think I'll go into the infantry after all."
[CHAPTER X--BROKEN THREADS]
On returning to his headquarters, some eight miles west of the town, Pariset asked permission of his commandant to convey Kenneth to Ostend. He met with a peremptory refusal; he could not be spared.
"You'll have to go by train," he said to Kenneth. "It will take you a long time, the railway is so congested with troops and refugees. Must you go?"
"What else can I do?"
"Well, we're short of men. I'd like to keep you. If I get you a sort of appointment, will you stay?"
"Rather! It might be months before I got a job at home."
"Then I'll see the commandant again and try to arrange it."
When he returned half-an-hour later, Kenneth knew by his expression that he had been successful.