It is occupied at this time by four men, who, by their uniforms, are at once recognized as officers. Two of these officers display the rank of captain, by their shoulder-straps, the other two that of first lieutenant. The dark blue and bullion of one of these lieutenants indicate a staff officer. He is the regimental adjutant. "William Nettleton!" called one of the officers. "Here, captain," was the ready response. "Bring more coffee!" "Yes, captain." And away started the person addressed as Nettleton. It will be necessary to give a brief description of this personage, as he is to play a conspicuous part in the following events. He was in height, about six feet. His neck was very long, his hair nearly white--not from age, but naturally so; his brows and eyelashes of the same color, his eyes were of a light green, his mouth large and gaping, his teeth extending like a battering ram, his form very lank and lean, his legs immensely long and thin, and very knock-kneed, and his feet--oh! ye gods,--such feet. They were about the shape of his own knapsack, and almost as large, and his legs seemed to join the feet exactly in the middle, extending as far to the rear as front. And when he walked, one would almost fancy that at every step he would fall to pieces. In fact, he looked unlike man or animal, and at first sight he might have been taken for a deformed idiot. But whoever supposed him as such, on a very short acquaintance would discover their mistake. He had been detached from his company as the captain's servant, was very much attached to him, and delighted in being called the "captain's body guard." In a moment his voice was heard exclaiming: "Here, ye darn lazy skunks, you; what for did you let this fire go out? Captain wants some more coffee, and now it's all cold, darn ye." A burst of laughter followed this, as the adjutant remarked: "Captain, you have a jewel in that fellow." "Yes, but a rough one." "A decided character, I wish you would transfer him to me." "Not for his weight in gold. I have adopted him," replied the captain. "I will wager my commission, he will fight!" "I intend to try him!" "In what way?" "I will tell you presently. But, let us talk of other matters now. You heard what the colonel said?" "Ye darn lazy skunks you!" "William's voice again!" replied the adjutant, laughing, which was joined in by the four officers present. "Perhaps William's address to his squad _might_ apply to us, for we have done very little lately. But, the colonel tells me that Fremont wants some one to--" "Go to the devil!" again shouted William. He was, of course, addressing himself to the cook and boys who surrounded him, and who were always teazing the fellow, and of course took all he said or did in good part. "William is apt in answers, if replying to us, captain. At all events, _that_ reply was more apropos than the first," said the adjutant.