"'I've got the habit o' laughin' at my own jokes,' said he. 'Ye see it's a lonely country here an' if I didn't give 'em a little encouragement they wouldn't come eround,' the man explained. "He lifted a foot and swung it in the air while he bent the knee of the leg on which he was standing and opened his mouth widely and blew the air out of his lungs and clapped his hands together. "'It also gives you exercise,' I remarked. "'A joke is like a hoss; it has to be fed or it won't work,' he remarked, as he continued his cheerful gymnastics. I have never known a man to whom a joke was so much of an undertaking. He sobered down and added: "'This mare is no stranger to oats an' the curry comb." "He looked her over carefully before he led her to the stable. "Next morning as he stood by her noble head, Smith said to me: "'She's a knowin' beast. She'd be smart enough to laugh at my jokes an' I wouldn't wonder.' "He was immensely pleased with this idea of his. Then, turning serious, he asked if I would sell her. "'You couldn't afford to own that mare,' I said. "I had touched his vanity. In fact I did not realize how much he had made by his overcharging. He was better able to own her than I and that he proposed to show me. "He offered for her another horse and a sum which caused me to take account of my situation. The money would be a help to me. However, I shook my head. He increased his offer. "'What do you want of her?" I asked. "'I've always wanted to own a hoss like that,' he answered. "'I intended to keep the mare,' said I. 'But if you will treat her well and give her a good home I shall let you have her.' "'A man who likes a good joke will never drive a spavined hoss,' he answered merrily. "So it happened that the mare Nancy fell into the hands of Reuben Smith." CHAPTER XXIX LOVE AND TREASON When Jack and Solomon returned to headquarters, Arnold and his wife were settled in a comfortable house overlooking the river. Colonel Irons made his report. The Commander-in-Chief complimented him and invited the young man to make a tour of the camp in his company. They mounted their horses and rode away together. "I learn that General Arnold is to be in command here," Jack remarked soon after the ride began. "I have not yet announced my intention," said Washington. "Who told you?" "A man of the name of Henry Thornhill." "I do not know him but he is curiously well informed. Arnold is an able officer. We have not many like him. He is needed here for I have to go on a long trip to eastern Connecticut to confer with Rochambeau. In the event of some unforeseen crisis Arnold would know what to do."