"I
understand that it was in defending him Major Maitland lost his
life."
"My dear, you are quite wrong. He was defending Major Maitland, and
shot the soldier who killed him."
"Quite wrong, am I? Of course I am quite wrong!"
"I was at head-quarters, you remember."
"Yes, you were; but you were not near Major Maitland."
Zachariah raised his eyes; he thought he detected, he was sure he
detected, in the tone of this sentence a distinct sneer.
"I was not with Major Maitland; my duties called me elsewhere; but I
am more likely to know what happened than any gossiping outsider."
"I don't believe in your foreign infidels."
"MY foreign infidels! You have no right to call them my infidels, if
you mean that, I am one. But let me tell you again you are mistaken.
Besides, supposing you are right, I don't see why he should be a
horrible man. He will probably be executed for what he did."
"It was he and that daughter of his who dragged you and the Major
into all this trouble."
"On the contrary, Caillaud, as well as myself and the Major, did all
we could to prevent the march. You must admit I understand what I am
talking about. I was at every meeting.
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