"Gentlemen," said he, half seriously and half laughing, "you see Major Copeland before you. To-morrow my battalion will be here."
"You are welcome, major," said the general and other officers, with a gravity that seemed intended as a slight check on the loquacity of their new brother in arms.
"And these men," continued the major, who either did not or would not understand the hint, "you might perhaps take for my aides-de-camp. This one, Dick Gloom, is our county constable; and as to the other," he pointed to the Englishman, "I myself hardly know what to call him."
"I will help you then," interrupted Hodges, impatient at this singular introduction. "I am an Englishman, midshipman of his Majesty's frigate Thunderer, from which I have, by mishap, been separated. I demand a prompt investigation of the fact, and report to your headquarters."
The general glanced slightly at the overhasty speaker, and then at the written examination which the squire handed to him.
"This is your department, Captain Percy," said he; "be pleased to do the needful."
The officer looked over the paper, and called an orderly.
"Let this young man be kept in strict confinement. A sentinel with loaded musket before his door, and no one to have access to him."
"I really do not know which is the most suspicious," said the general; "this spy, as he is called, or the queer customers who have just walked away."
Squire Copeland had heard with some discontent the quick decided orders given by the captain of regulars.