"Why shouldn't we go to the Germans, or to any one who is willing to help us? Wolfe Tone went to the French!..."
"You won't come away with me?"
"No. I came here to die, Henry, not to be safe!"
They stood for a few moments in silence, looking at each other, and then John put out his hand to Henry who took it in his.
"I must get back now," John said. "Good-bye, Henry. I don't suppose I shall ever see you again. If we lose, you and your friends can come and try your way. I've always wanted to die for Ireland ever since I was able to understand anything about my country, and I shall get my wish soon. Good-bye, Henry!"
"Good-bye, John!"
"I hope you and your wife will be very happy!" He made a wry smile, as he went on. "I'm afraid you won't be able to get to England just as soon as you wished. If you'd gone when I asked you to go!..."
"I must get back now," he said again.
"Yes, John!"
"I'm glad I saw you. I wondered last night where you were...."