My dear Newcome, you needn’t worry on that score. I happen to know that your boy’s been told nothing — absolutely nothing. As a matter of fact he’s at present away at the seaside — much the best idea, don’t you think? I suppose some day … but for the present — well, he just thinks his mother and father have gone away somewhere for a time … Of course if you’d put in an application I’ve no doubt they’d have allowed you to see him — but all the same —”

“Oh, I never thought of it — oh, dear no. I wouldn’t like him to come here at all — he’d be frightened — he was always scared of policemen. I think that was because Jessie always used to say, ‘I’ll fetch a policeman to you,’ whenever he misbehaved — a mistake to say things like that to a nervous child. And that’s what I want to talk to you about … You know Jessie meant well, but she didn’t really understand the boy. She and I had different ways with him, and I think — I really do think — mine was better. I wish you’d tell the Simpsons that if you get the chance. Tell them not to worry the boy, just let him grow up and conquer things for himself … and then some day, maybe, he can know the truth about me — about — to-morrow, I mean …”

“Well, Newcome, I must say I think that’s very sensible of you. You can rest assured I’ll do my damnedest for the youngster. Keep an eye on him myself, I give you my word. As ’matter of fact, if I had my way I’d tell him a complete lie about you — I’d say you’d joined up and made the — er — the supreme sacrifice — give the little chap something to be proud of … Why not — eh, why not?”

And then the Governor, Major Millman, entered the room and smiled nervously. The Chaplain included him in the conversation by a jovial nod. “Well, here we are, Millman — discussing the War and what not — I’d just been struck with an idea —”

Millman sat on the edge of the table and fidgeted. He was always apt to be upset by this last interview with a condemned prisoner, for he knew from experience how unpleasantly it could sometimes turn out. He felt almost grateful to Newcome for not being the kind of person who would make a hysterical scene. “Don’t go,” he muttered to the Chaplain.

The latter turned to David. “Well, don’t you think it’s what we ought to tell the youngster?”

David made a mild gesture of protest with his hands. “Oh no — don’t tell him that — never tell him anything like that — please don’t —”

“But why not? Isn’t it something that might have happened but for —”

“Oh no, no —”

“But why not, man?”