"Some one had to say it," jovially answered the bishop. Everybody laughed. Hugh dipped his pen once more.
"Shall I put that down, also?" he asked, looking to the bishop and the senator by turns.
"Put what?—down where?" they asked. "What are you writing there, anyhow?"
"Our conversation."
The senator stiffened high: "For what, sir?"
And the bishop asked, "A verbatim report to the captain?"
"Yes, sir, and the newspapers."
"Insolence!" exclaimed the general, but was hushed by the squire, though the squire's own brow lowered.
"Who will vouch for your accuracy?" loftily asked the senator.
"I'll send now for witnesses." The youth reached toward a bell-cord. But the senator lifted a hand between: