because beauty in such a woman should inspire no interest in me.

I now corrected myself, saying coolly enough:

“Yes, Colonel Thomas, on second thought I think I might know her if I see her.”

“Perhaps,” suggested Captain Fancher, “the wench has gone a-gypsying after the convoy.”

“These drabs change lovers over night,” observed Colonel Thomas grimly. “Doubtless Sheldon’s troopers are already consoling her.”

Colonel Sheldon, who had been fiddling uneasily with his sword-knot, exclaimed peevishly:

“Good God, sir! Am I also to play chaplain to my command?”