Walker looked down at the ground. Strange thoughts ran through his head, and when he looked up again, with a shrug of the shoulders, there was a queer look in his eyes.
'Well, I've not had a bad time in my life,' he said slowly. 'I've loved a little, and I've worked and played. I've heard some decent music, I've looked at nice pictures, and I've read some thundering fine books. If I can only account for a few more of those damned scoundrels before I die, I shouldn't think I had much to complain of.'
Alec smiled, but did not answer. A silence fell upon them. Walker's words brought to Alec the recollection of what had caused the trouble which now threatened them, and his lips tightened. A dark frown settled between his eyes.
'Well, I suppose I'd better go and get things straight,' said the doctor. 'I'll do what I can with those fellows and trust to Providence that they'll stand the jolting.'
'What about Perkins?' asked Alec.
'Lord knows! I'll try and keep him quiet with choral.'
'You needn't say anything about our striking camp. I don't propose that anyone should know till a quarter of an hour before we start.'
'But that won't give them time.'
'I've trained them often enough to get on the march quickly,' answered Alec, with a curtness that allowed no rejoinder.
The doctor turned to go, and at the same moment George Allerton appeared.