A CONTEST OF WITS Though I was never of hasty or violent temper, it was quite as well that I failed to gain a sight of De Croix as I passed the posts and the sentry clanged the gate behind me.

The Frenchman's scurvy trick would have heated cooler blood than mine; nor was my spirit soothed by the harsh fall I suffered.

But De Croix had not waited; nowhere along the bare sunlit parade was he visible.

I saw nothing but a squad of grinning soldiers lounging beside the barracks, until Captain Wells, issuing from the guard-house door, caught sight of me and came forward.
"Back, are you, Master Wayland ?" he said gruffly, and 't was easy to see he did not approve of my escapade.

"I scarcely thought to see you here again with so full a head of hair, after I learned of your mad wager.