“This is all beside the question,” said Benson coldly.
“No, it isn't! The wrench has got to come. I've got to have my own head in choosing for myself, and this lucky war comes just in time. It's my one chance to get away and get started on my own hook decently, and I'm going to enlist! Now we won't discuss that side of the case again, please. It's settled.”
“I was merely going to propose that I take your place,” said Benson quietly.
“You take my place—where?” demanded the boy.
“In McKeever's Company.”
“Well, you are funny!” laughed the boy.
“I'm quite in earnest,” answered Benson stiffly.
“No, no! You don't mean that!”
“I'm quite in earnest,” repeated Benson.
“Do you mean you'd enlist just to keep me from enlisting?” inquired Stephen incredulously.