“Why, the men would laugh at him.”
“In which case he would have achieved his object.”
“Well, well, well! You could talk from now to dooms-day and not convince me.”
“I am very sorry,” said Eliphalet, rising. “It was good of you to hear me so patiently. Good night.” He hesitated. “I was wondering—you fought in South Africa?”
“Yes, all through the campaign.”
“And have heard and seen many stiff engagements?” Raeburn nodded. “You were commenting unfavourably upon the effects of the battle that I introduce in the play.”
Captain Raeburn produced a cigar and lit it. “ ’Fraid I was,” he agreed.
“Would it be asking too much from you to—to explain in what direction our effects differ from the reality?”
“That’s an awkward question to answer.”
“Meaning we are entirely at fault?”