There was one feature in the fight which was, as I regret to know, impossible." "And what was that, Bathurst ?" Bathurst was silent for a time.
"You are an old friend, Doctor, and you will understand my case, and make more allowances for it than most people would.

When I first came out here I dare say you heard some sort of reports as to why I had left the army and had afterwards entered the Civil Service." "There were some stupid rumors," the Doctor said, "that you had gone home on sick leave just after the battle of Chillianwalla, and had then sold out, because you had shown the white feather.

I need not say that I did not give any credit to it; there is always gossip flying about as to the reasons a man leaves the army." "It was quite true, Doctor.

It is a hideous thing to say, but constitutionally I am a coward." "I cannot believe it," the Doctor said warmly.

"Now that I know you, you are the last man of whom I would credit such a thing." "It is the bane of my life," Bathurst went on.