“That is his house,” I answered; “but I should advise you to keep a more civil tongue in your head if you intend to speak with the general. He is not a man to stand any nonsense.” 

“Right you are. He was always a hard nut to crack. But isn't this him coming down the avenue?” 

I looked through the gate and saw that it was indeed the general, who, having either seen us or been attracted by our voices, was hurrying down towards us. As he advanced he would stop from time to time and peer at us through the dark shadow thrown by the trees, as if he were irresolute whether to come on or no. 

“He's reconnoitering!” whispered my companion with a hoarse chuckle. “He's afraid--and I know what he's afraid of. He won't be caught in a trap if he can help it, the old 'un. He's about as fly as they make 'em, you bet!” 

Then suddenly standing on his tip-toes and waving his hand through the bars of the gate, he shouted at the top of his voice: 

“Come on, my gallant commandant! Come on! The coast's clear, and no enemy in sight.” 

This familiar address had the effect of reassuring the general, for he came right for us, though I could tell by his heightened colour that his temper was at boiling point. 

“What, you here, Mr. West?” he said, as his eye fell upon me. “What is it you want, and why have you brought this fellow with you?” 

“I have not brought him with me, sir,” I answered, feeling rather disgusted at being made responsible for the presence of the disreputable-looking vagabond beside me. “I found him on the road here, and he desired to be directed to you, so I showed him the way. I know nothing of him myself.” 

“What do you want with me, then?” the general asked sternly, turning to my companion. 

“If you please, sir,” said the ex-corporal, speaking in a whining voice, and touching his moleskin cap with a humility which contrasted strangely with the previous rough independence of his bearing, “I'm an old gunner in the Queen's service, sir, and knowing your name by hearing it in India I thought that maybe you would take me as your groom or gardener, or give me any other place as happened to be vacant.” 

“I am sorry that I cannot do anything for you, my man,” the old soldier answered impressively. 

“Then you'll give me a little just 

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