I get no sleep with these cursed gally-nippers and things; but, stay--how many men have you got ?" "In my company eighty; but my order is to take only fifty." "There again! I told you so; want me killed--they want old Bios killed! Fifty men, when a thousand of the leather-skinned devils have been seen not ten miles off! Fifty men! great heavens! fifty men! There's an escort to take the chaparral with!" "But they are fifty men worth a hundred, I promise you." "Bring all--every son of a gun--bugler and all." "But that, Major, would be contrary to the general's orders." "Hang the general's orders! Obey some generals' orders in this army, and you would do queer things.

Bring them all; take my advice.

I tell you, if you don't, our lives may answer for it.

Fifty men!" I was about to depart when the major stopped me with a loud "Hilloa!" "Why," cried he, "I have lost my senses! Your pardon, Captain! This unlucky thing has driven me crazy.

They must pick upon _me_! What will you drink?
Here's some good brandy; sorry I can't say as much for the water." I mixed a glass of brandy and water; the major did the same; and, having pledged each other, we bade "good night", and separated..