"A suspicious character is an important one, ain't it?
I--er--I'm flattered." "Humph! Well, you realize it now, I suppose ?" "Cal'late I'll have to, long's your--er--chummie there says it's so." The expression of horror upon Lieutenant Rayburn's face at hearing himself referred to as "chummie" to his superior officer was worth seeing.
"Oh, I say, sir!" he explained.

The major paid no attention.
"What were you and this man," indicating the big carpenter, "bristling up to each other for ?" he inquired.
"Well, this guy he--" began the workman.

Major Grover motioned him to be quiet.
"I asked the other fellow," he said.

Jed rubbed his chin once more.
"He said I was a German spy," he replied.
"Are you ?" "No." The answer was prompt enough and emphatic enough.

Major Grover tugged at the corner of his mustache.
"Well, I--I admit you don't look it," he observed, dryly.