"All the same, I think I'll tackle him," said Keith. "Don't lend him money, Aylmer. For any sake, be firm with him. Strause can be the very devil if he once has a hold over a fellow."
Keith had cause to remember his own words later on, but at the time he thought only of Aylmer and how best he could save him.
That evening Keith called upon Major Strause, and had, as he expressed it, a straight talk with him. What one said to the other was never known, but when Keith left his brother officer's quarters he was under the impression that Aylmer was saved. This appeared to be the case. Strause was still quite friendly to both men, and Aylmer soon afterwards informed his friend that the loan of five thousand was no longer required.
Some weeks went by, and one evening Aylmer casually mentioned that he was making a fresh will.
"I made one soon after I joined," he said, "about three months after, just when you prevented me from making an ass of myself at mess. Do you remember?"
Keith smiled.
"Yes," he said. "I thought you one of the nicest boys I had ever seen afterwards."
"Well, I made a will then, and—Keith, you must not be angry—I put you into it."
"I wish you would make another, and leave me out," said Keith bluntly.
"That is just what Strause wants me to do."