Page:War's dark frame (IA warsdarkframe00camp).pdf/270

232 The others stirred and made no effort to hide their surprise. Clearly something else was demanded off him, so he took courage and completed the recital of his lesson.

"’I must return for further instructions to England.'

"’The others sprang up and paced about the room. They gathered in a corner, evidently consulting. One greybeard approached him with an air of timidity.

“’What has occurred, your excellency? We have heard of no great victory. Yet since you left England something must have occurred. Something must have happened since you arrived last night, when we all spoke of your cheerful attitude.'

"The clerk shook his head. He had only one thought, to escape from that conference about which he knew nothing, yet which was clearly of grave import, concerning matters in which he could have no honest share. He was ready to burst into tears. He arose and made for the door, combining his two phrases in a desperate effort to explain his retreat.

"’Gentlemen, you interest me, but I must return for further instructions to England.'

"He was aware of consternation and whispered astonishment behind him. He stumbled into the