"A good soldier is one who obeys orders," said Mr. Ellsworth, tightening his lips uncompromisingly. "Tom Slade's war duties were very clearly mapped out for him. And, besides, he gave me his promise; you heard him, didn't you?"
"Yes, I did," said Roy reluctantly.
"All I asked of him," continued the scoutmaster, "was to do his bit as a scout with the Colors, till he was of military age. He gave me his promise—you heard him—and then he desert——"
"Oh, don't say that," said Mrs. Ellsworth; "that's a dreadful word!"
The young man in uniform bit his lip and started to move his chair back; then, as if uncertain what to do, remained where he was.
"A promise is a promise," said the scoutmaster. "You can't build up anything good on the foundation of a broken promise."
"Don't you think a person might be justified in breaking a promise?" said the soldier diffidently.
"No, sir; not if it is humanly possible to keep it.—Besides, Tom must have had to lie to get into the army."
There was a moment's pause.
"It was dreadful to think of his pawning his Gold Cross," said Mrs. Ellsworth; "if he had only kept his word and waited a little while——"