On the contrary, it was a subject which he studiously avoided, and on which those who knew his modesty as well as his pride never ventured.

He usually cut short such as referred to it, with: "Never mind that, my friend; I did my duty, and that was all; and so did every man in the British army, or I wouldn't be here to say so.

Pass the subject." Sam and Dunphy, at all events, spent a pleasant evening; at least, beyond question, Sam did.

As for Dunphy, he seemed occasionally relieved by hearing Sam's warm and affectionate allusions to his son; and, on the other hand, he appeared, from time to time, to fall into a mood that indicated a state of feeling between gloom and reflection.
"It's extraordinary, Mr.Roberts," he observed, after awakening from one of these reveries; "it looks as if Providence was in it." "God Almighty's in it, sir,--didn't I say so?
and under him, Sam Roberts.

Sir, I observed that boy closely from the beginning.