"And you will not comply?"
"I will not comply."
"Can nothing be done, sir?"
"Nothing but to fight to the last drop of blood."
"And the ultimate result?"
"Anyhow, we shall have upheld the prestige of the British uniform." There was a pause. Both men were very thoughtful. The Commandant then asked, "You remember Child?"
"Yes."
"He followed orders. He rode to death, because his orders were to arrest, not to shoot: he did not flinch before the levelled rifle. What he did as an individual the hundred and fifty of us can do."
"But we shall shoot!"
"We shall! While a cartridge remains and a finger has strength to pull a trigger!"