"Sorry, sir, but orders are to accompany you to your party at the Inn and bring whatever luggage you wish to send back with me," said he.
"But I'm not coming back to the Hall for some time," I answered. "Do you wish to go with me to the militia camp? It's doubtful if they would receive you well, or allow you to return to the frigate after seeing your uniform."
"We only go three miles," said the man, "and if your party is not with us after traveling that distance, we will postpone meeting them this evening and shall return together."
"Shall is a big word," said Barron, laughing. "Don't you know any better than to use it to a gentleman? I reckon your discipline or early family training has been neglected."
"Our discipline aboard the Fowey is fair," answered the soldier, coolly, "and as for my family training, I don't think such things count for much. Family is nothing to me, for the only ones I ever knew of mine were cowardly and bad."
"Does that apply to your mother and father?" asked Barron, much amused.
"Most certainly. My mother was a woman on the streets, and my father was probably some chance acquaintance of a day or two, though I never heard his name, or have I ever met him; but if you think my ancestry makes me an inferior being to your self, I shall take pleasure in proving that a man's worth depends entirely on the education or training he gives himself, mentally or physically."
"You speak with great precision," laughed Barron, "and I am sorry not to have time to discuss your theory to a better advantage. That tall pine tree ahead, with the eagle's nest in its top, is a trifle over three miles from Judkins' Hall, so I regret to have to bid you good evening."