'I will come with you and help you,' said Mr Snodgrass.

Mr Snodgrass was astonished, but not particularly upset. At times like this it is extraordinary how cool everyone can be except the person who will actually have to do the fighting. Mr Winkle had forgotten this. He had thought his friend would have the same feelings as he did.

'The results of this may be awful,' said Mr Winkle.

'I hope not,' said Mr Snodgrass.

'The doctor, I believe, is a very good shot,' said Mr Winkle.

'Most of these military men are,' observed Mr Snodgrass calmly; 'but so are you, aren't you?'

Mr Winkle replied that he certainly was. Then seeing that his friend did not seem to be particularly worried, he tried a different plan. 'Snodgrass,' he said, in a voice shaking with emotion,' I am going to give you a note for my - for my father, please see that he gets it if I, if I die.'