'Do you know that he will have to undergo hunger and thirst and every kind of hardship? It's not a picnic that I'm going on.'
'I'm willing that he should undergo everything. The cause is splendid. His self-respect is wavering in the balance. If he gets to noble work he will feel himself a man.'
'There will be a good deal of fighting. It has seemed foolish to dwell on the dangers that await me, but I do realise that they are greater than I have ever faced before. This time it is win or die.'
'The dangers can be no greater than those his ancestors have taken cheerfully.'
'He may be wounded or killed.'
Lucy hesitated for an instant. The words she uttered came from unmoving lips.
'If he dies a brave man's death I can ask for nothing more.'
Alec smiled at her infinite courage. He was immensely proud of her.
'Then tell him that I shall be glad to take him.'
'May I call him now?'