"Not for his weight in gold. I have adopted him," replied the captain.
"I will wager my commission, he will fight!"
"I intend to try him!"
"In what way?"
"I will tell you presently. But, let us talk of other matters now. You heard what the colonel said?"
"Ye darn lazy skunks you!"
"William's voice again!" replied the adjutant, laughing, which was joined in by the four officers present.
"Perhaps William's address to his squad might apply to us, for we have done very little lately. But, the colonel tells me that Fremont wants some one to—"
"Go to the devil!" again shouted William. He was, of course, addressing himself to the cook and boys who surrounded him, and who were always teazing the fellow, and of course took all he said or did in good part.
"William is apt in answers, if replying to us, captain. At all events, that reply was more apropos than the first," said the adjutant.