That anyone should desert it for any cause soever was to him an act unexplainable.

He almost reckoned it treason.
But the question was one that touched the Sergeant as well, and deeply.
Hence, though he well knew his Chief's dominant passion, he ventured an argument.
"A mighty fine girl, sir, something very special.

She saw me through a mountain fever once, and I know--" "Oh, the deuce take it, Sergeant! The girl is all right.

I grant you all that.

But is that any reason why a man should desert the Force?
And now of all times?
He's only a kid.