General Roscoe was watching him closely.

"Can I trust you, Nick ?" he said.
There was an instant's silence, and the two men in the background were aware that something passed between them--a look or a rapid sign--which they did not witness.

Then reckless and debonair came Nick's voice.
"I don't know, sir.

But if I am untrustworthy, may I die to-night!" General Roscoe laid his free hand upon the young man's shoulder.
"Is it so, Nick ?" he said, and uttered a heavy sigh.

"Well--so be it then.