The Hidden Children by Robert William Chambers Chapter 1 Page 17

I remarked.

“Thank God for that,” he said heartily, rising and buckling on his war belt. He added: “As for any recruits we have been ordered to pick up en passant, I see small chance of that accomplishment hereabout. Will you summon the landlord, Mr. Loskiel?”

I discovered the man standing at the open door, his warn hands clasped behind him, and staring stupidly at the cloudless sky. He followed me back to the taproom, and we reckoned with him. Somehow, I thought he had not expected to be paid a penny — yet he did not thank us.

“Are you not Benjamin Hays?” inquired Boyd, carelessly retying his purse.

The fellow seemed startled to hear his own name pronounced so loudly, but answered very quietly that he was.