He had not yet fully adjusted himself to the fact of war.
"Why, of course," said Mr.Howland, "you married men won't be called upon.

You must be reasonable.

For instance you, Mr.Duff, cannot leave your wife." But Duff had recovered himself.
"My wife, sir?
My wife would despise me if I stayed up here.

Sir, my wife will buckle on my belt and spurs and send me off to the war," cried Duff in a voice that shook as he spoke.
With a single stride Barry was at his side, offering both his hands.
"Thank God for men like you! And in my soul I believe the Empire has millions of them." "Does your Empire demand that you desert those you have pledged yourself to ?" enquired Brand in a sneering tone.
"Oh, Cornwall!" exclaimed Paula, "how can you ?" "Why, Brand," said Mr.Howland, "that is unworthy of you." "We will see you into safety, sir," said Duff, swinging round upon Brand, "either to the Hudson's Bay Company's post, where you can get Indians, or back to Edmonton, but not one step further on this expedition do I go." "Nor I," said Knight.
"Nor I," said Fielding.
"Nor I," said Barry.
"Nor I," said Harry Hobbs.
"You are quite right, sir," said Mr.Howland, turning to Barry.

"I apologise to you, sir, to all of you Canadians.