'You won't do, and you won't do,' he said, at each inspection.

'No more soldiers.

I couldn't paint 'em.

Sudden death comes home too nearly, and this is battle and murder for me.' The day was failing, and Dick thought for a moment that the twilight of the blind had come upon him unaware.

'Allah Almighty!' he cried despairingly, 'help me through the time of waiting, and I won't whine when my punishment comes.