CHAPTER XXI“As I see it,” Sir Oliver said, “it does not rest upon that. If you will that St. Elmo be longer held, you will prevail at this time. But, beyond that, where do we stand, if it fall on the next day?”
“There is no cause that it should! Had I here but fifty knights of those with whom I had the honour to fight at Rhodes, being then but a youth and the least among famous names!”
Sir Oliver was quiet and exact. “I should say that is about the number we have, though they are not young at this day. . . . But I should also say we have other knights whose valour may not be less, and who are of equal resolve. . . . I did not propose that it need fall on the next day. I only say that we must be prepared against that, if we over-ride those who would blow it up. . . . Let the blame be wher
