“First tell me—from the conversation I have overheard I judge there is war; is it true?”
“Yes, perfectly true.”
“And are we going there?”
“Does it displease you?”
“No, but it displeases me that you haven’t been frank with me. Am I not your friend?”
“I believe so.”
“Well, I forgive you; don’t say anything more. I will go anywhere with you. They talked of war in my country. If I could only do something to help them to conquer.”
“You!” I exclaimed laughing. “Then aren’t you afraid?”
“No. I am afraid of nothing but fire; and you will protect me.”
“Yes, of course.”