"With the compliment of Général Brodnax!"
Irby edged toward Flora, drawn by a look.
Hilary spoke: "Miss Anna, please hold this paper open for me while I--Thank you." He struck a match. The horse's neck was some shelter and the two pressed close to make more, yet the match flared. The others listened to Mandeville:
"And 'twas me dizcover' that tranzportation, juz' chanzing to arrive by the railroad--"
"Any one got a newspaper?" called Hilary. "Steve--yes, let's have a wisp o' that."
The paper burned and Hilary read. "Always the man of the moment, me!" said Mandeville. "And also 't is thangs to me you are the firs' inform', and if you are likewise the firs' to ripport--"
"Thank you!" cried Kincaid, letting out a stirrup leather. "Adolphe, will you take that despatch on to Bartleson?" He hurried to the other stirrup.
"Tell him no!" whispered Flora, but in vain, so quickly had Anna handed Irby the order.
"Good-night, all!" cried Hilary, mounting. He wheeled, swung his cap and galloped.
"Hear him!" laughed Miranda to Flora, and from up the dim way his song came back: