inquired, bluntly: “You have nothing to say, I trust, young sir?” “In my turn,” replied young Prentiss,[61] quietly, “I trust that I shall have no occasion to say anything.” [61] The burly man did not seem to know how to take this; but evidently he suspected some hidden meaning in the saying, for his little eyes began to snap. “I make it a point to pay as I go, and ask favors of no one,” declared he. “What have you to say to that?” “It’s a good resolution, as such things run,” returned the youth. “But, believe me, sir, I can do very well without the particulars as to your private affairs.” The burly personage was taken somewhat aback at this, and his surprise was so evident that several persons who had been listening laughed outright. Among these was Herbert Camp, and instantly the big man selected him from the others and whirled round in his chair. “I hope, sir,” said he, with much directness, “that you are not laughing at my expense.” The sullen-faced lieutenant flushed as he saw the eyes of all within hearing turn upon him. But he answered readily enough: [62]“I would be very sorry, indeed, to do anything at your expense.” [62] “Ah, would you so?” and the man eyed him with singular intentness. “Well,” with a nod of the head, “I’ll bear you in mind, my lad. It is possible that I’ll make some small effort in your direction before a very great while.” From the time that he had seen his neighbor in conference with Major Hyde and the officer of dragoons and had caught their gestures, George had had no doubt but the man’s intentions in entering the “King’s Arms” was in some way connected with himself. He had given both officers offense during the morning, and he had felt that the burly one’s errand was some scheme of retaliation. The offensive manner of the man toward him seemed to clinch this belief; but now, as George went sedately on with his dinner, all the time observing his neighbor, his suspicions gradually changed. The newcomer paid no further attention to him; indeed, for all the
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