Oh, for pity's sake, help!" He covered his face with his hands in his shame and agony, feeling that his manhood had gone out of him, and Mark felt that something terrible must have occurred, for a burst of hysterical sobbing escaped from the wounded lad, and he threw himself face downward upon the path.
For a moment shame and contempt reigned in Mark Eden's breast, but they were chased away by a manly feeling of pity for the enemy who seemed to be humbling himself so before him.
Then all selfishness passed away in turn, and the word enemy dropped out of his being as the true English boy shone out of his eyes in compassion for a lad who had evidently passed through some terrible experience.
"I say! Darley," he said gently, "don't go on like that.

I know, though I don't like you, that you are a brave lad, and it hurts me to see you so.

There's a sentry up yonder, and our boy, Dummy.

Don't let them see you cry.

It's like a woman." Ralph sprang to his feet, with his face distorted, and his eyes flashing wildly.
"Yes," he cried fiercely, "like a weak, pitiful girl; but I couldn't keep it back.