“The very reason,” replied the sergeant.
I occupied myself for a little while tossing pebbles at a tree. Then I disposed my men at suitable distances along our line, and concluded to go up to the house, which going, in good truth, was part of my duty.
I was near the top of the hill when I saw Kate Van Auken coming to meet me.
“Good morning, Dick,” she said.
“Good morning, Mistress Catherine,” I replied.
It had been my habit to call her Kate when we were children together, but I could not quite manage it now.
“You are set as a guard upon us?” she said.
“To protect you from harm,” I replied with my most gallant air.
“Your manners are improving,” she said in what I thought rather a disdainful tone.