“Frankly,” I responded, “I had hoped I might.”
His brows contracted into a frown of anger that seemed to darken his entire face.
“Have you forgotten, then, our compact, or do you simply elect to ignore it?”
I saw the others exchange quick glances of amazement, but I answered coolly:
“The latter supposition is more nearly the truth, Major Brennan. I felt that after what we have just passed through together we could both afford to ignore the past, and consequently was hoping to escape without again encountering you.”
“Indeed!” he exclaimed sarcastically. “But I might have expected it. Gentlemen,” and he turned toward the expectant group, “this man and I have a personal grievance of long standing unsettled. I have sought him for months in vain. When he came last night to our assistance, before I even consented to accept his services I insisted that no occurrence of the defence should prevent our meeting if we both survived. Now he endeavors to sneak away like a whipped cur. I demand satisfaction at his hands, and if it is refused I shall denounce him in both armies.”
My cheeks burned, but before I could control myself sufficiently for answer Moorehouse spoke.
“But, Brennan, see here,” he said anxiously, “surely Captain Wayne has served you well. Is this trouble between you so serious that no amends are possible?”
“None, short of a personal meeting.”
“Captain,” and the perplexed Federal commander, turned toward me, “have you any word of explanation in this unfortunate affair?”