_Io triumphe!_ Crown us with laurel--Elliott and myself! Who can compare with us as vermin killers?
I have only just got back, tired and weary, stained with blood and dust, but I have sat down before either washing or changing to have the satisfaction of seeing our deeds set forth in black and white--if only in my private log for no eye but my own.

I shall describe it all fully as a preparation for an official account, which must be drawn up when Elliott gets back.

Billy Dawson used to say that there were three degrees of comparison--a prevarication, a lie, and an official account.
We at least cannot exaggerate our success, for it would be impossible to add anything to it.
We set out, then, as per programme, and came upon the camp near the head of the valley.

They had two weak companies of the 54th with them who might no doubt have held their own with warning, but an unexpected rush of wild Hillmen is a very difficult thing to stand against.

With our reinforcements, however, and on our guard, we might defy the rascals.
Chamberlain was in command--a fine young fellow.