"Well, I'm pretty nearly ready to say so myself," finished Brooks, half reluctantly.
CHAPTER IX
"The best-laid schemes o' mice and men
Gang aft agley."
BURNS
They didn't find Jim in the camp of his regiment, so went up to head-quarters to institute inquiries.
"Given?" a little thought and investigation. "Oh! Given is out on picket duty."
"Whereabouts?"
The direction indicated. "Thanks! we'll find him."
Having commenced the search, Surrey was determined to end it ere he turned back, and his two friends bore him company. As they came down the road, they saw in the distance a great stalwart fellow, red-shirted and conspicuous, evidently absorbed in some singular task,—what they did not perceive, till, coming to closer quarters, they discovered, perched by his side, a tin cup filled with soap-suds, a pipe in his mouth, and that by the help of the two he was regaling himself with the pastime of blowing bubbles.
"I'll wager that's Jim," said Surrey, before he saw his face.