I felt I was on very untenable ground, talking to a soldier. If I was right, what was the use of his grey coat, or of West Point itself? We were mounting the little steep pitch beyond the gate, where the road turns; and I waited till I got upon level footing. Then catching a bright inquisitive glance of the hazel eyes, I summoned up my courage and spoke.
"I have no rule but the Bible, Mr. Thorold."
"The Bible! What does the Bible say? It tells us of a great deal of fighting."
"Of bad men."
"Yes, but the Jews were commanded to fight, were they not?"
"To punish bad men. But we have got another rule since that."
"What is it?"
"If any man smite thee on the one cheek, turn to him the other also."
"Is it possible you think the Bible means that literally?" he said.
"Do you think it would say what it did not mean?"