"Oh, Sir William! My present from Castle Cumberland!" I stammered. "Is it a salmon-rod?"
"Now the wraith of old Isaac pinch ye!" said Sir William, half laughing, half angry. "What the devil have I to do with your presents and your fish-rods? Presents! Gad! It's a new algebra you need!"
"You promised not to," said I, stoutly.
"Did I?" said Sir William, with a twinkle in his eyes. "So I did, lad; so I did! Well, perhaps it is not an algebra book after all."
"Then let us go to Mr. Duncan and get it now," I replied, promptly.
"You may not want my present when you see it," argued Sir William, who did ever enjoy to plague those whom he loved best.
But I pulled him by the hand, and he pretended to go with reluctance and many misgivings.
At the door of the north block-house, Mr. Duncan rendered Sir William the officer's salute, which Sir William returned.
"Mr. Duncan," said he, "have you knowledge hereabouts of a certain present sent in your care for Mr. Cardigan here?"
"Now that you mention it, sir," replied Mr. Duncan, gravely, "I do dimly recall something of the sort."