"I am at your orders, sir," the Major said, raising his hand to his hat, but without removing it.
"And ready to serve me, no doubt," the stranger resumed.
"That depends," the Major remarked roughly, "times are no longer the same."
"Ah, ah," the stranger continued still sarcastically, "what news is there? I shall be delighted to learn it of you."
"You know it as well as I do, sir."
"No matter, tell me all the same what the great news is, that thus produces modifications in our relations which have hitherto been so amicable?"
"It is useless to jeer thus, sir; I have served you, you have paid me, and we are quits."
"Perhaps so, but go on. I presume you wish to propose a new bargain to me?"
"I have nothing to propose; I have merely come because you expressed a desire to see me, that is all."
"And your prisoner, are you still satisfied with him?"