daybreak'? That's what may happen. But our generation
will have been sacrificed for it. I suppose we should not grumble. But
we only live once. Do you remember that day of the Radley match, and
what I said about Oxford? I longed for Oxford. I wanted to begin life
over again, to sweep out the past. I was beginning to realise what
beauty meant. And then down comes the war. And I don't suppose I shall
ever have a chance now. I don't know whether there is an after life or
not, but if there is, I shall cut a pretty sorry figure, if there is
going to be a judgment. Well, it is my own fault. I put things off too
late. But I should have been a different chap, I think, if----"

Foster's voice rang out across the night:

"Come on, you two. What are you doing out there? The coffee's boiling
over. Buck up."

"Right you are."

In a second Tester had resumed his old pose of indifference. He played
his part through thoroughly; no one, as he danced with Collins up and
down the narrow study, would have associated him with the despairing
philosopher of a few moments ago. Gordon looked at him in amazement.
What a consummate actor he was! How successfully he kept his true
character to himself.

Early on the Sunday morning he went back to his regiment. Gordon walked
down to the station with him.

"I am going to the front in about a week, you know," said Tester, as
they were standing on the platform.

"Good Lord! man, why didn't you tell us before?"

"Oh, I don't know. I didn't want them all unburdening themselves to
me.... Here's the train. Well, good-bye, Caruthers. Good luck."

"Thanks awfully; and mind you come back all right."

Tester smiled at him rather sadly.

"I am not coming back," he said.

* * * * *

The Two Cock came and went. The score was not very high against the
House. But it was a poor game. The school deserved to win, because they
played less badly than the House. But there was very little life in the
game. This may have been due to a heavy field day two days before; but
whatever it was, the result was pitiable. Gordon had almost ceased to
expect anything. Day followed day. Everyone was discontented; even
Ferrers began to doubt whether the war was having such a good effect on
the Public Schools after all. He said as much in an article in _The
Country_. He was always saying things in _The Country_. It was his
clearing ground.

The Three Cock drew near. And each day Gordon beg