He held it rather absent-mindedly in his hand and continued to stare.
"You are not dead,--Mr .-- Armitage; but your father-- ?" "My father is dead, Oscar." "He was a good man," said the soldier.
"Yes; he was a good man," repeated Armitage gravely.

"I am alive, and yet I am dead, Oscar; do you grasp the idea?
You were a good friend when we were lads together in the great forest.

If I should want you to help me now--" The man jumped to his feet and stood at attention so gravely that Armitage laughed and slapped his knee.
"You are well taught, Sergeant Oscar! Sit down.

I am going to trust you.
My affairs just now are not without their trifling dangers." "There are enemies--yes ?" and Oscar nodded his head solemnly in acceptance of the situation.
"I am going to trust you absolutely.

You have no confidants--you are not married ?" "How should a man be married who is a soldier?
I have no friends; they are unprofitable," declared Oscar solemnly.
"I fear you are a pessimist, Oscar; but a pessimist who keeps his mouth shut is a good ally.