As for the bombarding of a mud village, Mr.Montague, I should have expected a well-trained British officer ready to do his duty, whether that duty were agreeable or otherwise." "My _duty_ certainly," interrupted the young captain, hotly; "but I have yet to learn that _your_ orders constitute _my_ duty." The bland smile with which Gascoyne listened to this tended rather to irritate than to soothe Montague's feelings; but he curbed the passion which stirred his breast, while the other went on: "No doubt the bombarding of a defenseless village is not pleasant work; but the result will be important, for it will cause the whole army of savages to rush to the protection of their women and children, thereby disconcerting their plans--supposing them to have any--and enabling us to attack them while assembled in force.

It is the nature of savages to scatter, and so to puzzle trained forces; and no doubt those of His Majesty are well trained.

But 'one touch of nature makes the whole world kin,' says a great authority; it is wonderful how useful a knowledge of various touches of nature is in the art of war.
"It may not have occurred to Mr.Montague that savages have a tendency to love and protect their wives and children, as well as civilized men, and that--" "Pray, cease your irrelevant remarks; they are ill-timed," said Montague, impatiently.

"Let us hear the remainder of your suggestions.

I shall judge of their value, and act accordingly.