could go
back to your people, you would never have such an opportunity as this.
Gil, you must make me an army that shall carry everything before it."

"No," I said gravely; "it is impossible."

He frowned slightly, but his face was calm directly.

"Oh no, it is not impossible; you have shown me that your heart is in
it, but you naturally shrink from so great a work, and feel, too, that
you must not forsake your people. But it will not be so. If anything,
they will have forsaken you. Come, Gil," he continued, with a smile,
"you have held out as you should, but it is now time to give way, and
take my hand, meaning to be my faithful friend and follower to the
last."

"No," I said firmly, "I cannot."

"Suppose I tell you that you must?" he said.

"It would make no difference," I replied. "I must do my duty as a
soldier."

"You have done it, boy. Now come and do your duty by me."

I shook my head.

"It is of no use for you to try and tempt me," I said.

"I am not tempting you, only trying to show you that your fate has
thrown you with me, and that you can do good here."

"As a renegade," I said hotly.

"No," he rejoined; "I have not asked you to change your religion. But
we will say no more to-day. You are angry, and an angry man makes more.
I should be sorry to say harsh things to one who is weak, and whom I
have made my friend."

He smiled, and held out his hand.

"I must go, Gil," he said. "I have much to do. I have to fight with
enemies, and to see to the ruling of my house. I could sit down and let
things go, but I wish mine to be a country of which a man may be proud,
and that means work for us."

I made no reply, and he looked at me gravely.

"Good-bye; I am not angry. You are behaving very well, boy. I respect
and esteem you the more. But be reasonable; try and see what is before
you, and do not trifle with the great opportunity of your life."

He nodded pleasantly to me, and we walked on together to where his horse
had been led.

"I will send you some clothes," he said. "I cannot send you an English
uniform; but, whenever you like, men shall come to make that of my horse
artillery according to your wish." I made a quick gesture.

"When you like," he said quietly. "I am not hurrying you, for you're
still too weak. When would you like your horse?"

"Directly," I said, so eagerly that he smiled. "To try and escape," he
said sadly. I started and drew back.

"Yes," I said f