"I should say not. I haven't the faintest idea what you look like. Have I seen you at the castle?"
"Yes, frequently."
"Will you tell me your name?"
"You would not know me by name."
"Are you an officer?"
"No; I am new to the service."
"Then I'll see that you are promoted. I like your staunchness. How old are you?"
"I am--er--twenty-two."
"Of the nobility?"
"My father was of noble birth."
"Then you must be so, too. I hope you'll forgive my rudeness. I'm a bit nervous, you know."
"I forgive you gladly."
"Devilish rough road, this."
"Devilish. It is a mountain road."
"That's where we were, too."
"Where who were?"
"Oh, a young lady and I, some time ago. I just happened to think of it."
"It could not have been pleasant."
"You never made a bigger mistake in your life."
"Oh, she must have been pretty, then."
"You are right this time. She is glorious."
"Pardon me! They usually are in such adventures."
"By Jove, you're a clever one!"
"Does she live in America?"
"That's none of your affair."
"Oh!" and then there was silence between them.
"Inquisitive fool!" muttered Gren to him= self.
For some time they bumped along over the rough road, jostling against each other frequently, both enduring stoically and silently. The rain was still falling, but the thunder storm had lost its fury. The crashing in the sky had abated, the winds were not so fierce, the night was being shorn of its terrors. Still the intense, almost suffocating darkness prevailed. But for the occasional touch neither could have told that there was another person on the seat. Suddenly Lorry remembered the lantern. It was still lit with the slide closed when he threw it on the seat. Perhaps it still burned and could relieve the oppressive darkness if but for a short time. He might, at least, satisfy his curiosity and look upon the face of his companion. Leaning forward he fumbled among the traps on the opposite seat.
"I think I'll see if the lantern is lighted. Let's have it a little more cheerful in here," he said. There was a sharp exclamation, and two vigorous hands grasped him by the shoulder, jerking him back unceremoniously.
"No! No! You will ruin all! There must be no light," cried the soldier, his voice high and shrill.
"But we are out of the city."
"I know! I know! But I will not permit you to have a light. Against orders. We have not passed the outpost," expostulated the other, nervously.
"What's the matter with your voice," demanded Lorry, struck by the change in it.