"'You're sure it is that impertinent fellow, Slingsby, of the Sixth?' said Mrs. Towler, with a smile of malicious satisfaction.
"'Sure as you are beside me, my love,' growled the general; 'bad example to the soldiers—very! subversive of all discipline—I'll smash him now—absent from guard—a general court-martial——'
"'A saucy jackanapes,' said Miss Towler.
"'Gross dereliction of duty!'
"'He was most impertinent to Maria at the last ball,' said Mrs. Towler.
"'Violation of the articles of war,' growled the Major General; 'but here we are close on the barracks—now we shall have him!'
"'Guard turn out!' cried the sentry, presenting arms, and facing his post.
"'Stop, coachman,' cried the general, as the carriage, with wheels flashing and its steaming bays at full gallop, dashed up to the guard house, where they reared back on their haunches, as the guard formed line, opened ranks, and the drum gave the single customary ruffle, just as I dropped unseen from the foot-board behind, drew my sword, and took my place coolly at the head of my men.
"'Sergeant,' roared the general; 'where's the officer of the guard—where's that infernal—where is Mr. Slingsby?'
"'Here, general,' said the astonished noncommissioned officer.