The fellow looked a bit thin but face-to-face, he recognised the direct gaze, though it wasn’t as bright as he remembered.
‘Very kind of you, Lord Roberts, remembering those verses of mine.’ Rud bowed. ‘In fact, that’s just what I wanted to talk to you about: I do have access to some of the funds, to be used over here. I was hoping to ask your advice.’
Roberts tapped his riding boots with the papers he was holding.
‘I suppose you want me to give you permission to run about all over the shop, deciding where to spend it, don’t you? You’re not the first young fellow I’ve met over here determined to get to the fighting by hook or by crook. Very well: I can give you a pass that will get you through the lines and into the hospitals.’
Looking up from the desk where he seated himself to scribb
