However, he still said that it was a great pity he was not as they.
A defeat of the army had suggested itself to him as a means of escape from the consequences of his fall.

He considered, now, however, that it was useless to think of such a possibility.

His education had been that success for that might blue machine was certain; that it would make victories as a contrivance turns out buttons.

He presently discarded all his speculations in the other direction.

He returned to the creed of soldiers.
When he perceived again that it was not possible for the army to be defeated, he tried to bethink him of a fine tale which he could take back to his regiment, and with it turn the expected shafts of derision.
But, as he mortally feared these shafts, it became impossible for him to invent a tale he felt he could trust.