It was quite natural that Harry should lay some stress upon the pledge, since any disclosure of his purpose might very well wear the appearance of a foolish boast, and Sutch himself saw no reason why he should refuse it.

So he gave the promise and fettered his hands.

His thoughts, indeed, were occupied with the limit Harry had set upon the knowledge which was to be imparted to General Feversham.

Even if he died with his mission unfulfilled, Sutch was to hide from the father that which was best in the son, at the son's request.

And the saddest part of it, to Sutch's thinking, was that the son was right in so requesting.
For what he said was true--the father could not understand.