"Is that you, Charles?" said the young officer tightening his girth by two buckle holes.
"Yes, sir," replied the soldier, showing the white of his teeth.
"And all right this morning?"
"Yes, thank you, sir."
Hardinge vaulted into the saddle at one spring. Then lacing the reins in his left hand, he continued:
"Not been blabbing, Charles?"
"Oh, no, sir. Mum's my word."
"That's right. But did you see everything?"
"I saw the three rockets, sir, if that's what you mean, and knew they were meant for you. But what they were fired for I didn't know till this morning, when I heard the talk in the Square. Folks are pretty wild altogether this morning, sir."
"So they are, but they will be wilder when they know all. In the meantime keep everything to yourself, Charles, till you hear from me again. Good-bye."