"Patience!" he said. "Someone is coming. I see a lanthorn shining. You will only have a few moments longer to wait, though for your own sake I recommend you not to stir, or I shall put a bullet into you."
"Hang it!" a sarcastic voice replied outside, "you have a curious idea of hospitality in there. No matter, I will wait; so you can raise your barrel, for I have no idea of carrying your works by myself."
The Captain reached the intrenchments at this moment.
"What is it, Bob?" he asked the sentry.
"I really don't know, Captain," he answered. "There is a man on the edge of the ditch who insists on coming in."
"Who are you? What do you want?" the Captain shouted.
"And pray who may you be?" the stranger replied.
"I am Captain James Watt, and I warn you that unknown vagabonds are not allowed to enter here at such an hour. Return at sunrise, and then I may possibly allow you to come in."
"Take care what you are about," the stranger said. "Your obstinacy in causing me to shiver on the brink of this ditch may cost you dearly."
"Take care yourself," the Captain answered, impatiently. "I am not in the mood to listen to threats."