The Master, at the head of the table, sat with his list and took account of the gathering.  Each man, as his name was called, gave that name in full, briefly stated his service and mentioned his wound.

All spoke English, though some rather mangled it.  At any rate, this was to be the official language of the expedition, and no other was to be allowed.  The ability to understand and obey orders given in English had, of course, to be one essential requisite for this adventurous band of Legionaries.

When all the credentials had been proved satisfactory, the Master rapped for order.  Silence fell.  The men settled down to listen, in tense expectancy.  Some took chairs, others occupied the divan, still others—­for whom there were no seats—­stood along the walls.

Informal though the meeting still was, an air of military restraint and discipline already half possessed it.  The bright air seemed to quiver with the eagerness of these fighting-men once more to thrust out into the currents of activity, to feel the tightening of authority, the lure and tang of the unknown.

Facing them from the end of the table, the Master stood and spoke to them, with Bohannan seated at his right.  His face reflected quite another humor from that of the night, a week before, when first this inspiration had come upon him.

He seemed refreshed, buoyant, rejuvenated.  His eyes showed fire.  His brows, that had frowned, now had smoothed themselves.  His lips smiled, though gravely.  His color had deepened.  His whole personality, that had been sad and tired, now had become inspired with a profound and soul-felt happiness.

“Gentlemen all, soldiers and good men,” said he, slowly.  “In a general way you know the purpose of this meeting.  I am not given to oratory.  I do not intend making any speech to you.

“We are all ex-fighters.  Life, once filled with daring and adventure, has become stale, flat, and unprofitable.  The dull routine of business and of social life is Dead Sea fruit to our lips—­dust and ashes.  It cannot hold or entertain us.

“By this I do not mean that war is good, or peace bad.  For the vast majority of men, peace is normal and right.  But there must be always a small minority that cannot tolerate ennui; that must seek risks and daring exploits; that would rather lay down their lives, today, in some man-sized exploit, than live twenty-five years longer in the dull security of a humdrum rut.

“Such men have always existed and probably always will.  We are all, I believe, of that type.  Therefore you will all understand me.  I will understand you.  And each of you will understand the rest.

“Major Bohannan and I have chosen you and have invited you here because we believe every man in this room is precisely the kind of man I have been defining.  We believe you are like ourselves, dying of boredom, eager for adventure; and willing to undergo military discipline, swear secrecy, pledge honor and risk life itself, provided the adventure be daring enough, the reward promising enough.  If there is anyone here present who is unwilling to subscribe to what I have said, so far, let him withdraw.”