"But you would risk your life in defence of your country?" she questioned, evasively.
"Most certainly I would," he answered, promptly; "but then you see I am not hampered by any notions respecting the sacredness of human life."
He was sorry a moment later that their conversation had taken the turn it had. He felt that he would bite his tongue out rather than give this sweet-eyed maiden pain; and that he had pained her was too evident by the look upon her face. And yet, having gone so far, he was bound to be honest.
"If I held your views," he went on, "nothing would induce me to take a human life—neither patriotism nor any other ism."
"Oh, but," she said, quickly, "there are some things more sacred even than life, honour for instance, and truth."
"No doubt. But there is surely a difference between losing one's life, giving it up for the sake of some great principle, and taking the life of another."
"Then you would not be afraid to die for something you valued much?"
"Why should a man be afraid to die at all? Of course life is sweet while you have something to live for, but to rest and be at peace, should not that be sweet also?"
"You want to live?"
"Now I do. For the moment I have something to live for. Something that gives zest to existence and fills all my dreams."