The corporal clapped his hand to his side as if to raise a sword, and then realizing that he had no such weapon, said in a remarkably conciliatory tone: "I told Colonel Allen that you were well acquainted with the interior of the fort, and he would speak with you a few moments." "Well, if you'd said that in the first place I would have been willing; but when you jumped down on me as if I was one of these recruits, I wasn't goin' to stand it." "If you are willin' to come, follow me." "Am I to go with you?" Isaac asked pleadingly, and the corporal hesitated an instant before replying: "Yes, lad, I don't reckon it'll do any harm, and it may give you an insight into the way we manage military affairs." CHAPTER VI. A SQUAD OF FOUR. Isaac was in high glee at thus being permitted to visit headquarters, for even though he went there only by permission of Corporal 'Lige and not because his presence was desired, it seemed to him that it was in a certain degree a recognition of the possible fact that he was really a soldier. Nathan Beman, however, did not appear to think there was any compliment in the invitation. Naturally of a suspicious nature, he fancied in some way this visit might work to his harm, and, in addition, he was displeased by the air of superiority which was observable in the corporal when he addressed any remark to the lad. The old soldier walked several paces in advance of the boys, and did not appear to think it necessary he should look around to see if they were following, for in his mind a request to visit headquarters was the same as an imperative command, and one which no sane person would venture to disobey. "I suppose he thinks he can tow me 'round wherever he likes, and I've got a mind to show him he can't," Nathan said to Isaac, motioning with his thumb toward the corporal. "It's Colonel Allen who wants to see you," Isaac ventured to suggest timidly. "How do you know?" "Why Corporal 'Lige said so." "I ain't certain that makes it true, 'cause he's said a good many things that don't amount to much since I've been around this place." "But the corporal wouldn't lie," Isaac said solemnly, and Nathan added with a peculiar smile: "Oh, no, he wouldn't lie!" "See here, what have you got against the corporal?" "Me? Why should I have anything against him?" "That's what puzzles me; but it seems as though you didn't think very much of him." "Neither do I. I've seen soldiers up 'round Ticonderoga, not make-believes like the old man, who is all talk an' no substance." Isaac's face flushed. He was not disposed to let this stranger make sport of Corporal 'Lige, whom he knew was thoroughly versed in the art of warfare, and a brave man withal; but before he had decided in his own mind how the most telling reproof could be administered, they arrived at headquarters, which was neither more nor less than a shelter built of pine boughs, situate so far from the main encampment as to afford some degree of seclusion.