"O, I know what you mean, but I don't believe in lying about it."
"Ah, then you are a military saint—are you?" said Richard, with a sneer.
"All but the saint," laughed Bailey. "I don't think there is any use in lying about it."
"Then I suppose you think it was very wicked of me to fight with Nevers."
"No, I don't," answered Bailey, promptly and decidedly. "Nevers is a bully, and he insulted you. My father always told me never to take an insult, but he would thrash me for telling a lie."
"Well, Bailey, I believe you are right. I think it is mean to tell a lie; but how shall I manage it?"
"Face the music. A fellow who can stand such a pounding as you have had, wouldn't mind being punished."
"I don't like to be punished."
"I don't know as the colonel would punish you. If a fellow gets up a fight, he has to take it; but if he only defends himself, he says he does no more than his duty."
"Well, who got up this fight?"