And that's his bungalow, is it, among the trees ?" "That is his house," I answered; "but I should advise you to keep a more civil tongue in your head if you intend to speak with the general.

He is not a man to stand any nonsense." "Right you are.

He was always a hard nut to crack.

But isn't this him coming down the avenue ?" I looked through the gate and saw that it was indeed the general, who, having either seen us or been attracted by our voices, was hurrying down towards us.

As he advanced he would stop from time to time and peer at us through the dark shadow thrown by the trees, as if he were irresolute whether to come on or no.
"He's reconnoitering!" whispered my companion with a hoarse chuckle.
"He's afraid--and I know what he's afraid of.