Mather sat by his side and reflected in quite another spirit.
"Already the Guards are steaming out through the coral reefs toward Suez.

A week and our turn comes," he said.

"What a God-forsaken country!" "I come back to it," said Durrance.
"Why ?" "I like it.

I like the people." Mather thought the taste unaccountable, but he knew nevertheless that, however unaccountable in itself, it accounted for his companion's rapid promotion and success.

Sympathy had stood Durrance in the stead of much ability.