“Do you really think we shall have a battle, Loskiel? How very interesting and enjoyable it will be.”

“Who drilled your pretty hide, Benjamin?” said I bluntly, noting that he wore his left arm in a splint.

“Lord!” says he. “‘Twas a scratch from a half-ounce ball at the Chemung. Dear, dear, how very disappointing was that affair, Loskiel! Most annoying of them not to stand our charge!” And, “Dear, dear, dear,” he murmured, mincing off again with all the air of a Wall Street beau ogling the pretty dames on Hanover Square.

“Where is this damned Castle?” growled Boyd. “Chinisee, Chenussio, Genesee — whatever it is called? The name keeps buzzing in my head — nay,