It was while they were digging that Lieutenant Cradock arrived to interrogate them about the conscientious objections of Nahum Noakes. About half an hour after his departure Nahum’s father appeared on the scene, breathless from hurrying up the hill from the village.  He had pumped Constable Haylock, who was a simple soul, and had learnt enough about the recent interview to feel a gnawing anxiety as to the fate of his beloved Nahum.  He was hatless, and wore his apron, with which he wiped the shining dew from his face as he stood watching the diggers.