CHAPTER III
FRIEND OR FOE?
SCRAMBLING awkwardly ashore, Colonel Firestone made straight for the captain of the dragoons, while, having secured our arms, Granville and I followed, leaving the boat to its fate.
It was the first time we had seen our companion on dry land, and I was struck by his peculiar gait as he shuffled his jack-booted feet in a very indifferent manner of walking.
The captain of dragoons, a slender, dandified man, looked with mingled astonishment and amusement at the strange figure approaching him.
"Who are you, fellow, and what is your condition?" he demanded in an affected drawl.
"Why should I declare my name?" replied Firestone sternly, his voice belying his appearance. "Sufficient it is to state that I am on the King's service."
"I am but doing my duty," rejoined the officer, though with considerably less affectation.
"Then do it. Conduct us to Colonel Goring. I am indebted to you for your good services, Captain whatever your name may be, but I tell you plainly I like not your style."
"Chaloner is my name," said the other haughtily.