"Approved and respectfully forwarded."
It was handed to the Corporal, and he turned to go, leaving the horse with the Doctor, and giving the crowd an opportunity for their laugh, so far suppressed with difficulty. He had gone but a few paces when an exclamation from the quondam Third cavalryman called him back, and ended for the moment the laughter.
"Where does the old fellow live, Corporal?"
"Keep out that lane to the left, then across lots by
a narrow path. Can't miss it. He has no more horses."
"Don't want horses."
"That apple brandy it's no use trying for."
"Boys," said the Captain, "I'm good for half a dozen canteens of the stuff, I'll bet my boots on it. Who'll go along?"
"I," replied a sturdy brother Captain.
"Recollect now. All here at nine to-night to receive our report. No use to tell you that, though, when whiskey is about," said the first Captain, as the crowd dispersed.