“You can’t if one of these fellows puts a bullet in you,” said Roddy. “You know you are making a big sacrifice, and I thank you for it.”
McKildrick looked at him in some embarrassment.
“You stand to lose more than any of us,” he said. “I’m told you are to be congratulated.” His eyes were so full of sympathy and good feeling that Roddy held out his hand.
“You’re the first one to do it,” he said happily; “and it’s good to hear. Mac!” he exclaimed, in awe-struck tones, “I’m the happiest, luckiest, and the least deserving beggar in all the world!”
McKildrick smiled dryly.
“I seem to have heard something like that before,” he said.
“Never!” cried Roddy stoutly. “Other poor devils may have thought so, but I know. It never happened to any one but me!”
McKildrick turned his eyes seaward and frowned,
“I even used the same lines myself once,” he said; “but I found I’d got hold of some other fellow’s part. So if anything should come my way to-night it wouldn’t make such a lot of difference.”
Roddy took one hand from the wheel and, leaning forward, touched McKildrick on the knee.