| Its passions will rock thee As the storms rock the ravens on high; Bright reason will mock thee— |
Well—we all know the man was a seer."
He laid the book down upon the grey cloak lined with red and sat with his chin in his hand, staring at the fire. Some moments elapsed before he spoke; then, "You have known Richard Cleave for a long time?"
"Yes. Ever since we were both younger than we are now. I like him better than any one I know—and I think he's fond of me."
"He seems to have warm friends."
"He has. He's true as steel, and big-minded. He's strong-thewed—in and out."
"A little clumsily simple sometimes, do you not think? Lawyer and soldier grafted on Piers Ploughman, and the seams not well hidden? I would say there's a lack of grace—"
"I have not noticed it," said Allan dryly. "He's a very good leader."
The other smiled, though only with the lips. "Oh, I am not decrying him! Why should I? I have heard excellent things of him. He is a favourite, is he not, with General Jackson?"
"I don't think that General Jackson has favourites."