Graham was under an indispensible necessity of hurrying to the north, and as soon as he found that his friend, though confined, was in friendly hands, under safe and skilful management, resolved to pursue his journey. Hamilton in a few days was able to bear without any danger of bad effects a moderate degree of conversation, and to enjoy the company of his host and brother soldier, Maxwell, at stated intervals; and as the old Sergeant was very fond of descanting on subjects which had occupied the better part of his life, it fortunately happened that his rural avocations prevented him from being with the Major too frequently to disturb the repose necessary in his present situation. Sunday, being a day of intermission from the labours of husbandry, the veteran halberdier devoted to attendance on his guest, and to a recitation of the labours of war. Early in the morning he repaired to the Major’s room, and, breakfasting by his bed, had gone over the battles of Dettingen, Fontenoy, had concluded peace, begun a new war, reached America, sailed up to St. Lawrence, descended, landed, mounted the heights of Abraham, and was at the second wound of the illustrious Wolfe, when his venerable sister entering the apartment reminded him that the hour for church was arrived. Maxwell, whose father having been a schoolmaster and precentor in his native village had instilled into him sentiments of religion, had been extremely regular in his attendance at public worship, was moved by this admonition; but considering the social virtues as an important branch of piety, at last concluded that the day could not be better spent than in cheering the spirits of a brother under indisposition, and chose to spend it in the company of his guest. The arrival of the surgeon for some time interrupted the progress of the battle of Quebec; but after this gentleman departed the subject was resumed, and Maxwell’s campaigns were concluded before the entrance of chicken broth for the officer’s repast, accompanied with beans and bacon for the host himself. As Hamilton took his barley water, Maxwell also indulged himself with barley juice, wishing to God his noble commander were well enough to partake of his home-brewed, of which, praised be his gracious Sovereign, he could, he said, always afford a comfortable can; and, so please your honour, here’s His Majesty’s health, and God bless all his friends! Hamilton devoutly saying, Amen. His sister coming in told him, that neighbour Hayrick, passing in his return from church, had informed her, that the vicar had asked him, if he knew any thing of Mr. Maxwell, and what had detained him from Divine Service? and that he (Hayrick) “had said as how Tom Tipple the postillion had most killed a gemman with his shay, that the gemman was dying at neighbour Maxwell’s cottage, and that Maxwell, he supposed, had stayed at home to keep him kumpany.” The hearers both smiled at this exaggerated account,