“See here, what have you got against the corporal?”
“Me? Why should I have anything against him?”
“That’s what puzzles me; but it seems as though you didn’t think very much of him.”
“Neither do I. I’ve seen soldiers up ’round Ticonderoga, not make-believes like the old man, who is all talk an’ no substance.”
Isaac’s face flushed. He was not disposed to let this stranger make sport of Corporal ’Lige, whom he knew was thoroughly versed in the art of warfare, and a brave man withal; but before he had decided in his own mind how the most telling reproof could be 115 administered, they arrived at headquarters, which was neither more nor less than a shelter built of pine boughs, situate so far from the main encampment as to afford some degree of seclusion.
Isaac judged from the eager look on the faces of the officers that this visit was considered by them of more importance than it was by Nathan, and instantly Corporal ’Lige saluted, Colonel Allen asked:
“Are both the lads acquainted with the fort?”
“No, colonel; here is the one who lives up Shoreham way,” and he touched Nathan on the shoulder. “This,” he added, motioning toward Isaac, “is a recruit I have taken under my protection.”
It was evident that Colonel Allen came nearer Nathan’s standard of a soldier than Corporal ’Lige, for he stood in a respectful 116 attitude before the officer as if recognizing the latter’s right to question him.
“Is your father alive?” the colonel asked.