I think you must see who the real culprit is." "You mean to infer that my son is a coward and gave the shameful order ?" Challoner's eyes glittered, though his face was colorless.
"It's unthinkable!" "Nevertheless it's true.

Why did he, without permission and abusing his authority over the guard, spend two hours late at night with Blake, who was under arrest?
What had they to say that took so long, when there was a risk of Captain Challoner's being discovered?
Why did Blake make no defense, unless it was because he knew that to clear himself would throw the blame upon his friend ?" "You press me hard," said Challoner in a hoarse voice.

"But that my son should so have failed in his duty to his country and his cousin is impossible!" "Yet you were willing to believe your nephew guilty.

Had you any cause to doubt his courage ?" Challoner felt beaten by the man's remorseless reasoning; there was scarcely a point he could contest.

A conviction that humbled him to the dust was being forced on him; but he would not let his rough visitor see him shrink as the truth seared him.
"I'll admit that you have told me a rather likely tale.