“I have no doubt the missus will be pleased, eh?” said the general with a grin.
Barry pulled out a letter from his pocket, opened it and handed it to the general, pointing to a paragraph. The general took it and read,
“And Barry, dear, remember that though you have a wife now, your duty to your country is still your first duty. I would hate that any thought of me should make it harder for you to carry on.”
The general folded up the letter, put it slowly into its envelope, and handed it back to Barry.
“I know her,” he said simply. “I should expect nothing else from her. You are a lucky dog, but, of course,” he added, with a swift glance at Barry's face, “some one must take that job.”
“I fancy, sir, there are many for it, who are hardly fit for this work up here,” replied Barry quietly. “I think, sir, I'll just carry on where I am.”
“You are quite sure?” inquired the general. “Don't you want a day or two to think it over?”
“I am quite sure, sir,” said Barry, “I am quite sure that my wife would approve.”
“Very well, then,” said the general, “let me handle this for you, and let me say, sir, that I am proud to have you in my division.”
So saying, he gripped Barry's hand hard, and turned abruptly away to the others.