by the shining in his brown eyes that the poet in him
had answered to the call of the old officer's words. His aspiration
as well as mine was inflamed. Doe was feeling great. He was
picturing himself, no doubt, leading a forlorn hope into triumph, or
fighting a rearguard action and saving the British line. The heroic
creature was going to be equal to the great moment and save England
dramatically.

Pleased with Doe's ready understanding--my friend always captivated
people in the first few minutes--our C.O. warmed still more to his
subject. Having put his hands in his pockets and leant back in his
chair to survey us the better, he continued:

"What I mean is--had you been eighteen a generation earlier, the
British Empire could have treated you as very insignificant fry,
whereas to-day she is obliged to come to you boys and say 'You take
top place in my aristocracy. You're on top because I must place the
whole weight of everything I have upon your shoulders. You're on top
because you are the Capitalists, possessing an enormous capital of
youth and strength and boldness and endurance. You must give it all
to me--to gamble with--for my life. I've nothing to give you in
return, except suffering and--'"

The Colonel paused, feeling he had said enough--or too much. We made
no murmur of agreement. It would have seemed like applauding in
church. Then he proceeded:

"Well, you're coming to my battalion, aren't you?"

"Yes, rather, sir," said Doe.

"Right. You're just the sort of boys that I want. If you're young
and bold, your men will follow you anywhere. In this fight it's
going to be better to be a young officer, followed and loved because
of his youth, than to be an old one, followed and trusted because of
his knowledge. Dammit! I wish I could make you see it. But, for
God's sake, be enthusiastic. Be enthusiastic over the great crisis,
over the responsibility, over your amazingly high calling."

He stopped, and began playing with a pencil; and it was some while
before he added, speaking uncomfortably and keeping his eyes upon
the pencil:

"Take a pride in your bodies, and hold them in condition. You'll
want 'em. There are more ways than one of getting them tainted in
the life of temptations you're going to face. I expect you--you
grasp my meaning.... But, if only you'll light up your enthusiasm,
everything else will be all right."

He raised his eyes and looked at us again, saying:

"Well, good-bye for the pres