'It seems to me then that you had a decision to make at the block-house?'
'Yes,' said Rallywood simply.
But it was not a subject to bear discussion.
'As a soldier of Maäsau you decided rightly.' Selpdorf misjudged Rallywood for the moment; it crossed his mind that this was a mercenary after all and to be bought.
'But as a man I now wish to resign my commission.'
Selpdorf raised his brows.
'But why? At the very moment when you have proved your faithfulness and your zeal? When we owe you recognition of these high qualities?'
'I want nothing, your Excellency, but to go out from this house a free man,' returned Rallywood coldly.
'Reconsider your words, Captain Rallywood.'
'Even if other difficulties had not arisen,' went on Rallywood, 'I may remind your Excellency that a soldier's oath does not cover robbery and assassination.'