The One Who Went Away
went without saying—but whether another was guilty they could not tell.
"Whoever will may leave this place," Merritt said; and at once there was a turning of heads towards him. "But he must go without food and without water, since I do not intend to equip any personally-conducted expeditions. If he will, let him go from here westward, where in four days, or five, at most, he shall come into the track of caravans. If he is lucky he may find a caravan passing, and receive food and drink. If he finds no caravan, then … it may be that he will wish that he had stayed with me." He paused, to let this idea sink home. "But whoever stays with me"—his voice deepened—"shall work in the trenches or out of the trenches, as I command. I will
131
