As for that, there's always danger.

It's the penalty of being alive." On the way to the dining-room Kathlyn thought deeply.

Why had her father asked them if they loved him?
Why did he speak of the Big Trek?
There was something more than this glittering medal, something more than this simple tale of bravery.

What?
Well, if he declined to take her into his confidence he must have good reason.
After dinner that night the colonel went the rounds, as was his habit nightly.

By and by he returned to the bungalow, but did not enter.