The war had grown less particular of its food.

A boy could speed a bullet, or could stop one.

There were yet the boys.
Of all the old-time families of this ancient little city none held position more secure or more willingly accorded than the Fairfaxes and the Beauchamps.

There had always been a Colonel Fairfax, the leader at the local bar, perhaps the representative in the Legislature, or in some position of yet higher trust.

The Beauchamps had always had men in the ranks of the professions or in stations of responsibility.