Part 44 (1/2)
”No, sir. Only Private Hanson.”
d.i.c.k frowned and stared.
”What!” he said at last. ”Did you do this out of your own head?”
”Yes, sir. I beg pardon, but I am having a good deal of liberty just now as a convalescent.”
”And you abuse it by taking an unwarrantable liberty with one of your officers!” cried d.i.c.k hotly.
”I hope not, sir,” said Hanson, with a faint smile. ”I don't think you know how dangerous it is for you to be out as you are, alone.”
”Pis.h.!.+ I have my sword.”
”A sword is of no use for parrying a cowardly stab in the back.”
”Of course not; but there is no danger now the people have become friendly.”
”Only on the surface, sir. The fire has been smothered down for a while, but it is smouldering, and ready to burst out the moment it is fanned.”
d.i.c.k looked at him curiously.
”So you don't want me to get a knife in my back?”
”I'd sooner have it in my own, sir,” cried the man earnestly. ”It really is very dangerous, sir. Don't be angry with me, even if it is a liberty for a private to take with his officer.--Mr Darrell.”
”Well?”
”You asked me to do something once.”
”I did, Hanson; and so far you have done it well.”
”Then, do this now for me, sir. I couldn't bear the thought of you going about as you do, and I couldn't sleep for the horrible thought always with me.”
”What horrible thought?”
”I seemed to see you being carried back into quarters dead--murdered; and I felt that I might stop your gallant young career from being cut short--at any rate that I might try.”
”Even to receiving the imaginary blow yourself, eh?”
”Well, yes, sir,” said the man, smiling sadly. ”I think I could be better spared than you.”
There was so much sincerity in the man's tones, so much earnestness in his way of speaking, that d.i.c.k felt moved, and his manner changed.
”You've been ill, Hanson, and you are still weak.”
”Oh, no, sir; I could take my place with the gun at any time now.”
”I'm glad of it. But you fancy things.”
Hanson shook his head.