"Your honour," said he, "the horses are saddled and ready."
"Zeb—Zebedee!" exclaimed the Major, falling back another step. "A Gad's name what does this mean?"
"Sir," answered the Sergeant, staring stonily before him, "same do mean as I, like the horses, am ready and waiting to march so soon as you do give the word."
"Then, damme Zeb, I'll not permit it! I ride—alone. D'ye hear?"
"I hear, sir."
"You understand, Zebedee, alone!"
"Aye, sir."
"Consequently you will go back—back to bed, at once, d'ye hear?"
"Aye sir, I hear."
"Then begone."