"I believe," continued the captain, in a slow, ponderous way, though all the while he seemed to be thoroughly enjoying his companion's eagerness, "that if I had made love-offerings to my fair young friend--I never knew her name, Dick, and unkindly fate parted us--they would have taken the form of sweet cakes or acidulated drops, and been much appreciated; but alas!--" "Oh, hang it all, I can't stand this! There goes Malpas. He has seen them, and is making chase. Glen, I shall shoot that fellow, or run him through." "What for, my boy?" "Because he is always sitting upon me, and making fun of me at the mess. Hang him! I hate him!" "Don't take any notice of his banter," said Glen seriously, "and if he is very unpleasant, it is more dignified to suffer than to fall out. Between ourselves, and in confidence, I advise you not to quarrel with Major Malpas. He can be very disagreeable when he likes." "As if I didn't know! He was always hanging after our Renee--Mrs Frank Morrison, I mean." "Indeed!" "Before she was married, of course." "Oh!" "And used to treat me like a schoolboy. I hadn't joined then, you know." "No, no, of course not," said the captain with a peculiar smile. "But look at him. You can see his black moustache and hooked nose here. He's going straight for them. Look, don't you see?" "Well, yes, he does seem to be doing as you say. If he is, you may just thank your stars." "Thank my stars? What for?" "For his getting the snub that you would have received had you been so foolish as to go after those ladies--for they are ladies, Dick." "Yes, of course, but it is horrible to be bested like this. Will you come?" "No; and I won't let you go. Sit still, you little stupid, and--there, see how propitious the fates are to you!" he continued, as he saw something unnoticed by his little companion. "What do you mean?" "Why, the enemy." "The enemy?" "Well, the Amazonian brigade have seen the demonstration being made by the Major on their left flank, the officer in command has given the order, and they have countermarched and are returning by troops from the left." "But are they coming back this way?" "To be sure they are, and if you sit still you will be able to enfilade them as they retreat." "Oh, please don't--pray don't, Glen, there's a good fellow!" "My dear boy, don't what?" "Don't light another cigar. Elderly ladies hate smoking, and you'll send them off in another direction. Besides, it's forbidden." "Oh, very well, most inflammable of youths. I shall have to make this the subject of a despatch to mamma." "Hush! be quiet. Don't seem to notice them, or they may turn off another way. I say, old Malpas is done." "And you are able to deliver a charge without change of position."