Looking up from where I worked, I beheld the Reverend Campbell making speed out of the grounds. In such hurry was he that he left the walk of gravel, and to save a corner would cut across the grass. The black-foot creature slouched away for all mankind like unto some henroost fox of the night whom daylight had surprised and who now went skulking for the comforting safe darkness of his burrow.
“It is wonder,” said Peg, “what could induce the good General to tolerate the presence of our Reverend Raven for so long. What should be the interest in his croakings?”
As Peg spoke, the General's gaunt form appeared in the door. He was more than half warm with an angry excitement. Without pause or first words of greeting, he addressed himself to Peg.
“Child, where was Timberlake two years ago this summer?—where was he in June?”
“Here in Washington,” returned Peg, her eyes full of wonder, as she scanned the face of the General in quest of a clue to his sharp, unusual curiosity. “He stayed here idle for four years before he last sailed. He was seeking to adjust his accounts as purser for the frigate President. His books were lost when the English captured the ship. It was that to make all the trouble; the red-tape of the navy office detained him here four years before it would accept his accounts. It was during that period we were wed.” Peg's voice, brisk at the start, fell sorrowfully away towards the end.
“Then he was here in June two summers ago,” said the General, “and for three years prior and almost one year after that time?”
“Yes,” said Peg.
“Now there!” cried the General, with a mixture of wrath and disgust; “see what bald and easily confuted falsehood a fool moved of low malice will tell! I could believe at times, when I'm brought face to face with such mendacious simplicity, that liars are denied powers of reflection.”
“What is it all about?” asked Peg.
“Nothing, child, nothing,” returned the General. “Now run away home; I want a word with your big playmate here.” Then in a softer manner: “No, child, the Major and I are trying to do you a service, and please God! I think we shall accomplish it.”