“I think we must have lost two or three hours,” said Somers as they hastened on their way. “I had no idea that it was more than two o’clock in the morning when we turned about.”
“Nor I,” replied De Banyan. “We must have spent two or three hours in crawling on the ground about that battery.”
“I don’t see where the time is all gone.”
“It goes fast when we are busy. When I was in the Crimea——”
“Never mind the Crimea now,” protested Somers, who was in no mood for his companion’s fibs.
“Don’t be crusty, Somers.”
“I did not mean to be crusty; but you know my opinion about those stories of the Crimea and the Italian war, and I don’t think it is a good plan to talk so much over here.”
“As you please; it is your turn to speak next.”
“I meant no offense.”
“I know you didn’t, Somers; but you reproved me, and I can only hold my peace; for you are the commander of this expedition.”