“The blessings of peace might permit you more leisure with the ladies,” I suggested smilingly. And he threw back his handsome head and laughed.

“Lord!” he exclaimed. “What chance have I, a poor rifleman, who may not even wear his hair clubbed and powdered.”

Only field and staff now powdered in our corps. I said: “Heaven hasten your advancement, sir.”

“Not that I’d care a fig,” he protested, “if I had your yellow, curly head, you rogue. But with my dark hair unpowdered and uncurled, and no side locks, I tell you, Loskiel, I earn every kiss that is given me — or forgiven. Heigho! Peace would truly be a blessing if she brought powder and pretty clothing to a crop-head, buck-skinned devil like me.”