You're quite right, though. It is more than a
joke. You've managed it in thirty-three.
Capt. G. Don't make me feel worse than I do. Will it satisfy you if I own that
I am a shirker, a skrim-shanker, and a coward?
Capt. M. It will not, because I'm the only man in the world who can talk to you
like this without being knocked down. You mustn't take all that I've said to
heart in this way. I only spoke--a lot of it at least--out of pure selfishness,
because, because--Oh, damn it all, old man,--I don't know what I shall do
without you. Of course, you've got the money and the place and all that--and
there are two very good reasons why you should take care of yourself.
Capt. G. 'Doesn't make it any sweeter. I'm backing out--I know I am. I always
had a soft drop in me somewhere--and I daren't risk any danger to them.
Capt. M. Why in the world should you? You're bound to think of your family--
bound to think. Er--hmm. If I wasn't a younger son I'd go too--be shot if I
wouldn't!
Capt. G. Thank you, Jack. It's a kind lie, but it's the blackest you've told
for some time. I know what I'm doing, and I'm going into it with my eyes open.
Old man, I can't help it. What would you do if you were in my place?
Capt.
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