The room was very hot, and the quiet face that was almost boyish yet was beaded with perspiration, but Appleby saw there was a stamp upon it which it had not borne in England. Tony, it seemed, had changed, and Appleby felt that he might still do his work with credit, and be the stronger because of his fall. Then as he struggled with a faint sense of envy and bitterness Tony opened his eyes and smiled. “You there, Bernard? I was back at Northrop with you and Violet a moment ago,” he said drowsily. “Still, you are in Cuba now,” said Appleby. Tony appeared to be endeavoring to collect his thoughts. “It is difficult to realize it, and I can’t quite persuade myself I’m awake yet,” he said. “The sun was shining on the lawn, and I could see the red geraniums and the little blue lobelia round the border as clearly as I ever saw anything in my life. You were talking to Violet, and the trouble between us seemed to have gone. Why couldn’t you let me sleep on?” “I felt tempted to,” said Appleby gravely. “Still, you see, we are marching to assault Santa Marta almost immediately.” Tony sprang out of bed, and was half dressed when he turned to Appleby again with a sparkle in his eyes. “I’m taller than most of these Cubans. You’ll have to put me at the head of your company,” he said. “No,” said Appleby dryly. “We are leaving a handful of men behind us to hold the hacienda, and I mean you to stay with them.” Tony laughed a clear, ringing laugh. “Did you think for a moment that I would? Now, you will gain nothing by insisting, and you don’t command. If I can’t get your permission I’ll get Maccario’s.” “There is very grim work on hand, and the rest are more fitted for it than you.” Tony turned with a trace of stiffness which became him. “There was a time when you apparently took pleasure in pointing out my slackness, Bernard,” he said. “Still, while I’m willing to admit it, I think it’s moral,—and not physical.” “Of course!” Tony’s face relaxed, and he laughed. “That’s devilishly complimentary— but I’m coming. I’ve never been in a fight, and the sensation will be a pleasant novelty, but there’s something else. You see, it may happen that one of us gets hurt.” “It is, I believe, quite likely.” “Well,” said Tony very quietly, “that is just why I’m coming. I don’t wish to be uncivil—but while Maccario’s willing I think it’s evident that you can’t stop me.” Appleby looked at him a moment with a curious softness in his eyes, and then made a little gesture of resignation, while Maccario, who opened the door quietly, smiled as he glanced at them. “The Señor Palliser will march with us?” he said. “Of course!” said Tony lightly, but Appleby, who felt a little shiver run through him, said nothing at all.