2/8 They can use their rifles well enough; but they are an undisciplined mob at the best. By the way, have you run against the flute-player lately ?" "No, but I met the people with whom he lodges yesterday. They knew me again, and came up as if wanting to speak." "What about ?" "Oh, they began by talking about the war and asking me whether I thought it would last long." "To which you said _No_, eh ?" "I only said that I hoped not, and then they volunteered the information that they believed Anson was going to leave the town for the south." "Indeed ?" said Ingleborough sharply. "What made them think that ?" "Because their lodger had packed up all his little belongings and had bought a wagon and a span of oxen, which he kept just outside." "Well, he'll lose them if he doesn't look out. He'll find himself between two fires. |