He was left to guard the rear, to see that we were not taken by surprise, and he deserted his post.

Had he not done that, there had been no disaster, in spite of Mr.Wilding's intervention." Feversham's brow was dark, his eyes glittered as they rested on the traitor.
"T'at true, sare ?" he asked him.
"Not quite," put in Mr.Wilding.

"Mr.Westmacott, I think, was constrained away.

He did not intend..." "Tais-toi!" blazed Feversham.

"Did I interrogate you?
It is for Mistaire Westercott to answer." He set a hand on the table and leaned forward towards Wilding, his face very malign.