He knew no Latin, and therefore could not say, "_sic vos non vobis_," &c., yet he thought it. But after he obtained his little annuity, the love of country of the Horatii or Curiatii was frigid to his. He was never weary of boasting of its freedom, of its greatness, and of General Washington. It was observed that as he grew older his stories became longer and more incredible, and his patriotism hotter. His own personal exploits too, occupied a wider space in his narratives. To believe him, the number of British and Hessians conquered by his single arm would have composed a regiment; and, indeed, it was difficult to conceive how the struggle could have been brought to a successful issue without his assistance. "Good morning, General," said Felix, politely touching his cap. "Good warning, Missa Qui I hope I see you well dis pleasant marning. How Miss Rosa?" inquired Primus, at the same time making a military salute with the back of his hand. "Miss Rosa is well, thank you, sir. As for this genlman, he is always well," said Felix, laying his hand on his breast. "Fine day for walking, sir. Sorry you going de oder way, Missa Qui. Suppose you hab business." "I walk out for the exercise. I have not take exercise enough lately for the health." At this moment the eye of Primus caught sight of a white piece of paper sticking out of a corner of Felix's pocket, and he suspected the errand on which the latter was sent, so he added: "You celumbrate Tanksgiving in de usual style at your house dis year, I presume." "Some witch tell you, General. Haw, haw!" "De ole chimbly smoke extrorninary at dis season. De chickens and de turkies know dat chimbly well." "Guess they do," said Felix. "General Ransome, can you keep a secret?" "I is close as Missa Pint pocket, dat button all round," said the old negro. "Then I have no objections to tell you, General, that I give out some invite this morning to ladies and genlmen to take dinner at my house, Thanksgiving Day." "Hab you one for me?" "Look for yourself, sir," said Felix, pulling out two or three billets from the left pocket of his waistcoat, and presenting them to the other. "You sociate with General Washington and all the great men, and read writing, sure." Primus took the billets into his hands, and ran his eye over the superscriptions, with an air of the most perfect confidence, then, shaking his head, returned them to Felix, observing: "Dere is none here for me." "Perhaps there is one for you in this pocket," continued Felix, fumbling on the other side, and producing another billet. Primus looked, but shook his head as before. "Have the extreme goodness," said Felix, who began to be considerably mystified by the serious air of the other, and half-disposed to believe that he might have some knowledge of the mystic characters, "to tell me who this little note is intend for."