“Because I desire you to do so,” Bradford returned coolly.
“Then I should play the part of a passive traitor, simply to please you who have wronged——” Ross began hotly, but came to an abrupt stop.
“Well?” And Bradford smiled broadly.
“I was going to say,” Douglas resumed calmly, “that according to your admissions, I should play the traitor, to please you who have kept me a prisoner for months and still have me in your power.”
“You’ll not be playing the traitor; you’ll remain neutral—that’s all.”
“A passive traitor is as bad as an active one. I cannot consent to your proposal. I’ve been here too long already, much against my will. I wish to revisit my home for a few days—then again offer my services to my country. You say you are my friend. In some ways you have proven your assertion. Let me depart in peace.”
“You put my friendship to a severe test,” Bradford laughed.
“You will not grant my request?”
“No—I cannot.”
“Why?”—impatiently.