God of
theirs, and make war impossible for the future. Forgive me, sir, for
talking like this; I didn't mean to. I've been a long time in getting
to this point, but now it has become a kind of passion with me, because
I feel it to be the Call of God."

"By gad, Nancarrow, but you've touched the spot this time, and you've
put it well too! I'm not much at religion, I'm afraid, and I've had no
scruples. I'm an Englishman, and an Englishman must stand by his
promises, and help the weak. That's enough for me. All the same, I've
thought, as I suppose every one else has, how any war can be squared
with Christianity. But as you've put it--yes, I see--you mean that out
of love for the German people themselves, this War God, as you call it,
must be thrown down and crushed to powder!"

"Yes, that's it."

"Yes, and then there is another question--but no, I'll not go into that
now. As you said, you mean business, and I've spent a good quarter of
an hour, or more, talking. But still, old times are old times, after
all, and we were friends in the old days. But to business now. I'm as
keen as you are that you shall get into the thick of it. As a matter
of fact, I expect to go to the front myself in a week, and I want to do
what I can for you. You are willing to do anything, you say?"

"Anything."

"Look here, can you ride--well, I mean? No modesty, now. Speak
plainly."

"I can ride anything, sir. I can stick on a horse galloping, with my
face to its tail."

"Good! Know anything about motoring?"

"I've had a car for years, and always driven it myself. I do my own
repairing, and I know every inch of it, inside and out."

"Good again! Know anything about motorbikes?"

"Ridden one for years. After the last Easter Vac., I went from
Cornwall to Oxford on an old Humber. When I got there, I took it all
to pieces, repaired some of the parts, and turned it into a good
machine. Excuse me for talking so much about myself. I wouldn't have
done it, had you not asked me. Besides, I'm anxious to show you that
I'm not helpless."

"Helpless, by George! You are a useful man. You ride like a Centaur,
and you know all about motor-cars and motor-bikes. In addition to all
this, you did jolly well in the O.T.C. Yes, you certainly must be made
use of."

Again Captain Pringle was silent for a few seconds.

"You've got your licence and all that sort of thing for motoring?"

"Certainly, sir."

"Ever been to France