"Once at Wolf Creek."
"Were you not frightened?"
"I was as cool as I ever was in my life," replied Corporal Diggs, leaning back in his chair, and looking very brave.
"That was because you were so deep down in mud and water under the drift-wood," put in Seth Williams.
Corporal Diggs turned a look of wrath on his companion. "Who said I was in the mud and water?" he demanded, fiercely. "Who saw me in the mud and water?"
"No one, I don't suppose; but Lieutenant Whimple found you on the bank, looking very much as though you had just left the hands of Crazy Joe."
Before Corporal Diggs could reply, Miss Temple, rising, begged him to walk with her on the piazza.
As the two went away, Seth laughed for the first time during the evening, and told his companion the story of Crazy Joe's mud man.
The lawn had been converted into a dining-room, and long rows of tables were spread there; Chinese lanterns hung from all the trees, and an army of black waiters was in attendance.
The dining hall had been cleared and fitted for dancing, and already the soft sound of music was heard there, and gay dancers were gliding gracefully through the waltz.