Hyde was not present, to the surprise of every one. All knew that he had
been invited, and there was some speculation upon his non-appearance.
Baring was there, quiet and self-contained as usual. No one ever chaffed
Baring. It was generally recognized that he did not provide good sport.
When the toasts were over he left the table.
It was soon after his departure that a sound like a distant explosion
was heard by those in the messroom, causing some discussion there.
"It's only some fool letting off fireworks," someone said; and as this
seemed a reasonable explanation, no one troubled to enquire further. And
so fully half an hour passed before the truth was known.
It was Baring who came in with the news, and none who saw it ever
forgot his face as he threw open the messroom door. It was like the face
of a man suddenly stricken with a mortal hurt.
"Heavens, man! What's the matter?" the colonel exclaimed, at sight of
him. "You look as if--as if--"
Baring glanced round till his eyes fell upon Ronnie, and, when he spoke,
he seemed to be addressing him alone.
"The dam has burst," he said, his words curt, distinct, unfaltering.
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