"You mean Braddock's defeat, I suppose, Joyce?"
"I call nothing a defeat, captain Willoughby. We were roughly handled that day, sir; but I am not satisfied it was a defeat. It is true, we fell back, and lost some arms and stores; but, in the main, we stuck to our colours, considering it was in the woods. No, sir; I do not call that a defeat, by any means."
"You will at least own we were hard pressed, and might have fared worse than we did, had it not been for a certain colonial corps, that manfully withstood the savages?"
"Yes, sir; that I allow. I remember the corps, and its commander, a colonel Washington, with your honour's permission."
"It was, indeed, Joyce. And do you happen to know what has became of this same colonel Washington?"
"It never crossed my mind to inquire, sir, as he was a provincial. I dare say he may have a regiment--or even a brigade by this time; and good use would he make of either."
"You have fallen far behind his fortunes, Joyce. The man is a commander-in-chief--a captain-general."
"Your honour is jesting--since many of his seniors are still living."
"This is the man who leads the American armies, in the war with England."
"Well, sir, in that way, he may indeed get a quick step, or two. I make no doubt, sir, so good a soldier will know how to obey orders."