"Of course! Only I am astonished that soldiers fresh from the ocean should lose their sea legs so soon."
"Well," said Mason, in better humor as his own regiment swung around and marched past over the green sod on the double quick, "your men are a credit to their Colonel, and I don't see why you should not personally choose the two companies you want to take."
"Thank you kindly for the honor," said Battersby.
"That is all right. Have you a choice?"
"'Pon my word, of the men, no. They all look like well-drilled fellows, with clean jibs, straight backs and honest mugs. It would be hard to make one."
"Of the officers have you?"
"Not from the way in which they command their companies. Still, you have one man I would like to have on my staff, if you can spare him, and taking him I should expect to take his company also."
"Who is that, pray?"
"Captain Morris. He made a record for himself in Spain, and would do excellent service out west if he had the chance."
"By George, you have touched the apple of my eye!" exclaimed Mason, who in making his offer had in mind the efficiency of the companies themselves, without reference to the officers who led them. "Captain Morris is the best officer we've got. He has seen the enemy's guns in many a campaign and, between ourselves, is recommended for promotion."