"Yon have done well, Oscar; honor me by accepting a cigar."
The man took a cigar from the box which Armitage extended, but would not
light it. He held it rather absent-mindedly in his hand and continued to
stare.
"You are not dead,--Mr.--Armitage; but your father--?"
"My father is dead, Oscar."
"He was a good man," said the soldier.
"Yes; he was a good man," repeated Armitage gravely. "I am alive, and yet
I am dead, Oscar; do you grasp the idea? You were a good friend when we
were lads together in the great forest. If I should want you to help
me now--"
The man jumped to his feet and stood at attention so gravely that
Armitage laughed and slapped his knee.
"You are well taught, Sergeant Oscar! Sit down. I am going to trust you.
My affairs just now are not without their trifling dangers."
"There are enemies--yes?" and Oscar nodded his head solemnly in
acceptance of the situation.
"I am going to trust you absolutely. You have no confidants--you are not
married?"
"How should a man be married who is a soldier? I have no friends; they
are unprofitable," declared Oscar solemnly.
Pages:
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151