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Adventures of Major Brown reserved to the end, for as the little businessman ceased speaking he had the blazing eyes of a fanatic.

Major Brown received the explanation with complete simplicity and good-humor.

"Of course; awfully dense, sir," he said. "No doubt at all, the scheme excellent. But I don't think—" He paused a moment and looked dreamily out of the window. "I don't think you will find me in it. Somehow, when one's seen—seen the thing itself, you know—blood and men screaming, one feels about having a little house and a little hobby; in the Bible, you know, 'There remaineth a rest.

Northover bowed. Then, after a pause, he said:

"Gentlemen, may I offer you my card. If any of the rest of you desire, at any time, to communicate with me, despite Major Brown's view of the matter—"

"I should be obliged for your card, sir,"said the major, in his abrupt but courteous voice. "Pay for chair." 47