Boylan went back to headquarters again, but his nerve was breaking. He
did not feel at one with the staff this afternoon, rather as a stranger
who wanted something which the great brute force was unwilling to give.
He was full of fears and disorders, as if all the eyes of men were
searching his secret places. He told the sentry that he would like to
see Lieutenant Dabnitz, and gave his name, much as a trooper would.
He sat cold and breathing hard for many minutes--an outsider, as never
before. Dabnitz came at last. Big Belt arose and clutched his arms.
“Lieutenant,” he said. “I'll spend my life to prove you wrong about
Peter Mowbray. I'll get the United States of America to thank you and
General Kohlvihr, and the army for your kindness--if you spare him. I
don't care to go to him--unless I can take him word. My God, Lieutenant,
you mustn't shoot that boy! We've ridden together, all three. There's
so much death without that. He's innocent as a babe of any revolutionary
principle. I'll give America the greatest Russian story that--”
“My dear Boylan, believe me, you are wrong. They are deep as hell
against us. You need not trouble, for they are happy as children at a
birthday party--with Poltneck singing and all joined hands--”
Boylan's knees bent to the seat.
“But we will not disturb them for the time. We will let you know,”
said Dabnitz. “It would be a shame to interrupt such a pleasant party.
Judenbach will be our headquarters for one more night.”