Meanwhile Cleary had been conversing with the brave
young lieutenant at his side and the reverend gentlemen beyond him.
They had been discussing the slaughter of the Porsslanese, the
lieutenant sitting back from the table while his neighbors talked
across him.
"I confess," said the Rev. Mr. Parker, "that I am not quite satisfied
with our position here. This wholesale killing of non-combatants is
revolting to me. Surely it can not be Christian."
"I have had some doubts about it too," said the young man. "I don't
mind hitting a man that hits back. I didn't object to the pig-sticking
in South Africa, and I believe that man-hunting is the best of all
sports; but this killing of people who don't resist, and even smile in
a sickly way while you do it and almost thank you--it really does go
against me."
"Yes," said Cleary, "perhaps there is something in that."
"Oh, my dear young friend!" cried the clergyman, turning toward the
lieutenant, "you don't know what joy it gives me to hear you say that.
I have spoken in this way again and again, and you are the first man I
have met who agrees with me. Won't you let your fellow officers know
what you think? It will come with so much more force from a military
man, and one of your standing as a V.C. Won't you now tell this company
that you think we are going too far?"
"Really, Doctor," said the young man, blushing, "really, I think you
exaggerate my importance.
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