Counsellor put his watch back into his pocket.
'A man's country should be his conscience,' said the old diplomatist, as one who pronounces a definite and unassailable truth. Then he waited.
Rallywood stood up.
'I cannot argue,' he said, 'but Major, you will believe me when I say that I see my duty plainly. I refuse!'
'I have had a great regard for you,' replied Counsellor slowly, 'but if you were my own son, by Heaven, I'd blow your brains out to-night! Give me those despatches.'
There was a rapid movement and the gleam of a pistol barrel in his hand.
'Thank God!' It was not more than the faintest whisper from Rallywood as he sprang at his companion.
But there was no report, only an ominous click as Counsellor flung the unloaded revolver in Rallywood's face with a bitter word.
'It was not loaded.'
Hardly had they closed when the door was opened and a couple of men supported Unziar into the room. The water ran in streams from his clothes to the floor, while he stood and stared at the two combatants who had fallen apart.