"If that person comes up, I wish you to keep near me. Take no notice; but be prepared, if I direct, to arrest him."
The corporal looked a little queer. "Very good, sir," said he; "upon receiving your orders," (he intoned the word orders,) "I shall be ready to do so."
"In case of my giving you an order to that effect, I, of course, am responsible, not you. If I turn round, give you a look, and say, 'Fraser,' you will consider that you have got your directions."
"Very good, sir; it shall be done."
My anticipations proved correct. Mounted on what had very much the appearance of a French post-horse, my would-be entertainer presently came up at a laborious canter. The moment he got alongside, he began to expostulate. Was profoundly grieved that I had declined his hospitality. It was a long day's march, the longest from Passages to headquarters. "A little refreshment would have recruited your forces, Mons. d'Y—."
"I cannot separate from the convoy and escort. As you thought fit to send them on, I had no choice but to follow."
"Well, pardon me, if I have done wrong," said he. "My intentions were pure, at any rate. Positively, though, you must not follow this road. The way to the ford is now close at hand. Come, let me be your conductor."
"Were you not at Lisbon last autumn?" said I.
"Were you?" said he, in a tone of alarm.