“I have no doubt of that; but I feel just as though some big thing was going to happen.”
“So do I; and I felt so just before the battle of Solferino. By the way, on the night before that battle, I captured a whole brigade with my single company, while I was out on picket-duty.”
“Indeed!” laughed Somers.
“I’ll tell you how it was.”
“Don’t take that trouble, captain; for I shall not believe you if you do.”
“Do you mean to doubt my word, even before I utter it?” demanded the captain, apparently much hurt by the insinuation.
“Captain de Banyan, I wish I could persuade you to speak the truth at all times.”
“Come, Somers, that’s rather a grave charge; and, if it came from any other man than yourself, I should challenge him on the spot,” added the captain, throwing back his head, and looking dignified enough to be the commander-in-chief.
“You may challenge me if you please; but let us be serious for a moment.”
“I am serious, and have been all the time.”