Perhaps the cholera won't come; and if it does, what's the odds so long as you're happy, eh ?" And to the intense astonishment both of the Lieutenant and Frank, Tom walked home with the malcontents, making himself so agreeable, that he was forgiven freely on the spot.
"What does the fellow mean?
He's deserted us, sir, after bringing us here to make fools of us!" Frank could give no answer; but Thurnall gave one himself that evening, both to Frank and the Lieutenant.
"The cholera will come; and these fellows are just mad; but I mustn't quarrel with them, mad or not." "Why, then ?" "For the same reason that you must not.

If we keep our influence, we may be able to do some good at the last, which means, in plain English, saving a few human lives.

As for you Lieutenant, you have behaved like a hero, and have been served as heroes generally are.
What you must do is this.

On the first hint of disease, pack up your traps and your good lady, and go and live in the watch-house across the river.

As for the men's houses, I'll set them to rights in a day, if you'll get the commander of the district to allow you a little chloride of lime and whitewash." And so the matter ended.
"You are a greater puzzle than ever to me, Thurnall," said Frank.