Page:The Works of H G Wells Volume 5.pdf/297

Rh something like hysteria had the muscles of his face and throat. Then he gave vent to a profound "Ah!" His heart bounded towards exultation. "The giants have held their own!"

"There has been terrible fighting—terrible destruction. It is all a most hideous misunderstanding In the north and midlands giants have been killed Everywhere."

"They are fighting now?"

"No, Sir. There was a flag of truce."

"From them?"

"No, Sir. Mr. Caterham sent a flag of truce. The whole thing is a hideous misunderstanding. That is why he wants to talk to you, and put his case before you. They insist, Sir, that you should intervene"

Redwood interrupted. "Do you know what happened to my son?" he asked.

"He was wounded."

"Tell me! Tell me!"

"He and the Princess came—before the—the movement to surround the Cossar camp was complete—the Cossar pit at Chislehurst. They came suddenly, Sir, crashing through a dense thicket of giant oats, near River, upon a column of infantry Soldiers had been very nervous all day, and this produced a panic."

"They shot him?"

"No, Sir. They ran away. Some shot at him—wildly—against orders."

Redwood gave a note of denial.

"It's true, Sir. Not on account of your son, I won't pretend, but on account of the Princess."