"
So saying, he rose, and supported by Joe, made his way towards the car,
praising God in his heart that he had not disgraced his country.
IX
CONVERSES WITH A CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTOR
"Yes," said Mr. Lavender, when they had proceeded some twenty miles
along the road for home, "my hunger is excessive. If we come across an
hotel, Joe, pull up."
"Right-o, sir," returned Joe. "'Otels, ain't what they were, but we'll
find something. I've got your coupons."
Mr. Lavender, who was seated beside his chauffeur on the driving-seat,
while Blink occupied in solitude the body of the car, was silent for a
minute, revolving a philosophic thought.
"Do you find," he said suddenly, "that compulsory sacrifice is doing you
good, Joe?"
"It's good for my thirst, sir," replied Joe. "Never was so powerful
thirsty in me life as I've been since they watered beer. There's just
'enough in it to tickle you. That bottle o' Bass you would 'ave 'ad at
lunch is the last of the old stock at 'ome, sir; an' the sight of it
fair gave me the wind up. To think those blighters 'ad it! Wish I'd
known they was Germans--I wouldn't 'ave weakened on it."
"Do not, I beg," said Mr. Lavender, "remind me of that episode.
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