“I own that I am somewhat inclined that way,” said I.

“As you please.”

“Why? Are you unwell?”

He lay silent for a few moments, then:

“What a mortifying business was that at the Tioga fort,” he said under his breath. “The entire garrison saw it, did they not, Loskiel? Colonel Shreve and all?”

“Yes, I fear so,”

“It will be common gossip tomorrow,” he said bitterly. “What a miserable affair to happen to an officer of Morgan’s!”

“A sad affair,” I said.

“It will come to her ears, no doubt. Shreve’s