"Our lives are occupied chiefly with little things; the great battles take but a few hours in our existence."
"But you have a free and open life," said the Secretary. "It is true that your chance of death is great, but all of us must come to that, sooner or later. As I said, you are in the open; you do not have any of the mean work to do."
The Secretary sighed and leaned a little on Prescott's arm. The young Captain regarded him out of the corner of his eye, but he could read nothing in his companion's face. Mr. Sefton's air was that of a man a-weary—one disgusted with the petty ways and intrigues of office.
They walked on together, though Prescott would have escaped could he have done so, and many people, noting the two thus arm in arm, said to each other that young Captain Prescott must be rising in favour, as everybody knew Mr. Sefton to be a powerful man.
Feeling sure that this danger was past for the present, Robert went home to his mother, who received him in the sitting-room with a slight air of agitation unusual in one of such a placid temper.
"Well, mother, what is the matter?" he asked. "One would think from your manner that you have been taking part in this search for the spy."
"And that I am suffering from disappointment because the spy has not been found?"
"How did you know that, mother?"
"The cook told me. Do you suppose that such an event as this would escape the notice of a servant? Why, I am prepared to gossip about it myself."
"Well, mother, there is little to be said. You told me this morning that you hoped the spy would not be found, and your wish has come true."