"Egad!" exclaimed the Major, staring. "Now you mention it, Zeb, so 'tis!" And wheeling his horse forthwith, the Major galloped back to the cross-roads. Being come thither he halted to glance swiftly about and seemed much relieved to find no one in sight.
"Zebedee," said he suddenly as they rode on, knee to knee, "tis in my mind to go a-travelling again."
"Thought and hoped our travelling days was done, sir."
"Aye, so did I, Zeb, so did I—but," the Major sighed wearily, "none the less I'm minded to go campaigning again, leaving you here to—er—look after things for me, as 'twere, Zeb."
"Can't and couldn't be, your honour! You go and me stay? Axing your pardon, sir—Zounds, no!"
"Why not, pray?"
"Well first, sir, what would your honour do without me?"
"Truly I should—miss you, Zeb——"
"So you would, sir, so why think of going? Secondly, here's me been hoping—ah, hoping right fervent as you'd bring it off, sir, wi' colours flying and drums a-beating as gay as gay."
"Bring what off, Zeb?"