Of course, I wouldn't let myself be stirred up by the Yankees, but it's a dinner, Colonel! It's a Christmas dinner, and it bears all the signs of being as fine as any we ever ate in the old times of peace!" "Thomas, my lad, I regret it, but I must say that you are talking in a much more light-headed way than usual.

All that we had we brought with us, and your young brother officers, who I must say excel you in industry, are now assembling it." "But, Colonel, there's a big black fellow outside.

He's just come in with a loaded horse, belonging to the owner of this house, and he's brought a letter with him.

Read it, sir." Colonel Talbot gravely read the letter and passed it to Lieutenant-Colonel St.Hilaire, who read it with equal gravity.
"Sounds well, eh, Hector ?" Colonel Talbot said.
"Most excellent, Leonidas." They went to the door with Happy Tom, and again Caesar saluted respectfully.
"You are welcome, Caesar," said Colonel Talbot.

"I am commander here.
What has your kind master sent us ?" Caesar bowed low before the two colonels and then proceeded to unload his horse.