"You are not in active service, Colonel," and Artie smiled faintly.
"Do I look as if I was? But I have seen service, young man, having gone all through the Mexican War."
"Indeed! I am glad to meet you, sir. But about the Riverlawns and Mrs. Bradner's brother—"
"I'll get there in a moment, Captain. You see I am getting old and long-winded. I used to stump the State during election time, but I'm getting so tiresome now nobody will listen to me."
"I am listening, Colonel. But I have a duty to perform which must be accomplished as soon as possible."
"I reckon I need not ask what it is. It's none of my business, of course not."
"What were you going to ask me concerning our regiment?" asked Artie, half desperately, for he was afraid the crippled colonel would keep him there all day.
"I wanted to ask you if your command did not take part in an engagement at Greeger Lake, last fall?"
"We did."
"What was the result of that engagement?"