"But Missis McGillicuddy can wallop him with one hand tied behind her back, and she'll do it, too, when she finds out about the kiddie bein' out this time of night." This was no idle threat.

Fifteen minutes later, when Kettle and the After-Clap were at the height of their enjoyment, Mrs.McGillicuddy, with only a shawl over her head, in the keen December night, was seen stalking across the plaza and toward the group of men and horses outside the drill ball; the riders had trooped into the waiting-room for coffee and sandwiches before the ride began.

The troopers, who knew and admired Mrs.McGillicuddy, made way for her respectfully as she swooped down on Kettle, to his complete surprise.
"Solomon!" shouted Mrs.McGillicuddy.
Whenever Mrs.McGillicuddy used Kettle's baptismal name it meant the same thing as when Colonel Fortescue called Mrs.Fortescue "Elizabeth,"-- there was trouble brewing.
"And it's you," continued Mrs.McGillicuddy, in a voice like a bassoon in a rage, "as the Colonel and Mrs.Fortescue trusted their innocent lamb, and when they are peacefully watchin' the show you take this pore baby out of his warm bed and brings him out here to catch his death of cold, and Patrick McGillicuddy, you'll laugh on the wrong side of your face when I get you home, and the Colonel shall know this, if my name is Araminta McGillicuddy." With that Mrs.McGillicuddy tore the After-Clap from Kettle's arms.
Like Kettle and McGillicuddy and the admiring crowd of troopers, the baby knew enough to maintain silence when Mrs.McGillicuddy had the floor.
"Right 'bout face and march," screamed Mrs.McGillicuddy to Kettle, who meekly obeyed her, "and McGillicuddy 'll hear from me when he comes home to-night!" Mrs.McGillicuddy then, with Kettle walking in advance, his head hanging down, followed with the After-Clap and took the way to the C.
O.'s quarters, where the baby, much to his disappointment, was again laid in his crib and Kettle was promised terrors to come like those of the Day of Judgment.
McGillicuddy, standing in the moonlight among the riderless horses and grinning troopers, forestalled criticism by handing out a card on which a legend was inscribed in large letters.
"Boys," said the Sergeant, solemnly, "there's my rule for all married men in the service and out av it.

It's the Golden Rule of married life, boys, and it ought to be added to the Articles of War and the Regulations.

Here it is, boys, 'Doant munkey with the buzz saw.'" Meanwhile, within the vast riding hall the splendid pageant was taking place.