A jolly hour they had together at supper, exchanging news and retailing the latest jokes. And then Cameron told his friend the story of old Copperhead and of the task laid upon him by Superintendent Strong. Martin listened in grave silence till the tale was done, then said with quiet gravity:
“Cameron, this is a serious business. Why! It's—it's terrible.”
“Yes,” replied Mandy quickly, “but you can see that he must do it. We have quite settled that. You see there are the women and children.”
“And is there no one else? Surely—”
“No, there is no one else quite so fit to do it,” said Mandy.
“By Jove, you're a wonder!” cried Martin, his face lighting up with sudden enthusiasm.
“Not much of a wonder,” she replied, a quick tremor in her voice. “Not much of a wonder, I'm afraid. But how could I keep him? I couldn't keep him, could I,” she said, “if his country needs him?”
The doctor glanced at her face with its appealing deep blue eyes.
“No, by Jove! You couldn't keep him, not you.”
“Now, Mandy,” said Cameron, “you must upstairs and to bed.” He read aright the signs upon her face. “You are tired and you will need all the sleep you can get. Wait for me, Martin, I'll be down in a few moments.”