"Well," said Quincy, "I happen to know that 'Zekiel and Huldy have got over their little difficulties and they are now good friends."
"Been't they going to get married?" asked Hiram.
"Are you and Mandy going to get married?" asked Quincy.
"Well, we haven't got so far along as to set the day exactly," said Hiram.
"And I don't believe 'Zekiel and Huldy will get married any sooner than you and Mandy will," remarked Quincy. "But don't say a word about this, Hiram."
"Mum's the word," replied Hiram. "I am no speaker, but I hear a thing or two."
"Now, Hiram," said Quincy, "run in and tell Mandy I'll be in to lunch as usual, and then come back, for I have something more to say to you."
Hiram did as directed, and Quincy sat and thought the situation over. So far he had been patient and he had borne the slings and arrows hurled at him without making any return. The time had come to change all that, and from now on he would take up arms in his own defence, and even attack his opponents.
When he had reached this conclusion, Hiram reappeared and resumed his seat on the chopping block.
Quincy asked, "In what regiment did the singing-master go to war?"