I knew well the conceited coxcomb would never seek the presence of Mademoiselle until he had shed the rags he wore on entering the Fort.

I remember yet that throng of faces, anxious yet amused, peering over each other's shoulders to get a better view of me as I talked, and constantly augmented as the word passed quickly about the garrison that we had safely returned from our midnight adventures.
"You will send aid to him ?" I questioned, as I concluded, my eyes fixed appealingly upon Captain Heald.
"Not I," was the prompt and decisive rejoinder.

"No soldier of this command shall leave the stockade until the hour for our final departure.

The fellow had a chance to come in here with the others before the gates were closed, but was obstinate as a mule, and must now take the consequences.

But you need not worry about Ol' Tom, my boy; he 'll circumvent those red devils in some way, you may rest assured, nor would he even thank us for interference.