The doctor laughed at the other's words: "Perhaps there's another side to the question, Mr. Scarsfield," he said. "If you had seen what I have seen here during the last few weeks, you would know that the war has brought out many noble traits." "Yes, yes, that may be so, and I have come all the way from the States to see for myself. You see, we are a neutral country, and what I have seen has made me determined to go back home and take a lecturing tour right through America denouncing the crime of war." "Here is Lieutenant Nancarrow," said the doctor, nodding to Bob's bed. "Yes, I want to see him," said Mr. Hiram Scarsfield; "I read the account of what he did in the papers, and I am mighty glad that the authorities have allowed me to come here. I want to shake him by the hand." "Sir," he said, coming up to Bob, "whatever may be my views about war, I admire brave men, and you risked your life to save another. When I read it in the papers, tears came into my eyes, and when I heard that you were here, I just made up my mind to see you, and what I want to ask you, is this: You saved one man; how many have you killed?" "I don't know," replied Bob. "Many?" "I hope so." "Ah, that is the terror of the whole business! And when you get well again, are you going back to the front?" "I hope so," was Bob's reply. "To kill more, I guess?" "If it is in my power." "Young man, don't you feel the hellishness of the thought?" "Yes," replied Bob, "I shudder at the thought of it." "Then my advice to you is--desert. When you get well enough, get out of France and come to America where you can live in peace. Yes, I know that sounds bad, but then I hate war; it just puts back the clock of the world; it crucifies our Lord afresh." Bob looked at the other's face attentively, and he saw immediately that it was the face of a strong man. There was no suggestion of the fanatic about it; rather, it was sane and sincere. "Then you believe in peace--peace at any price?" was Bob's query. "I guess that is so; I guess there is nothing under heaven worth making hell for, and that is what I have seen these last few weeks. I haven't been right up to the fighting-line--I haven't been allowed--but I have seen enough to make my heart bleed." "I agree with every word you say," and Bob's voice was almost tremulous. "Then why are you a soldier?" "Look here, Mr. Scarsfield," said Bob. "Supposing that the French and the English and the Belgians and the Russians were all to disarm, what would happen, do you think?" "There would be peace," said the American. "And what kind of peace?"