This way, lads." So saying, they turned short from the walls, and dashed down a dark and narrow lane into the town.

My struggles to get free were perfectly ineffectual, and to my entreaties they were totally indifferent.
In this way, therefore, we made our entrance into the Plaza, where some hundred soldiers, of different regiments, were bivouacked.

A shout of recognition welcomed the fellows as they came; while suddenly a party of Eighty-eighth men, springing from the ground, rushed forward with drawn bayonets, calling out, "Give him up this minute, or, by the Father of Moses, we'll make short work of ye!" The order was made by men who seemed well disposed to execute it; and I was accordingly grounded with a shock and a rapidity that savored much more of ready compliance than any respect for my individual comfort.

A roar of laughter rang through the motley mass, and every powder-stained face around me seemed convulsed with merriment.

As I sat passively upon the ground, looking ruefully about, whether my gestures or my words heightened the absurdity of my appearance, it is hard to say; but certainly the laughter increased at each moment, and the drunken wretches danced round me in ecstasy.
"Where is your major?
Major O'Shaughnessy, lads ?" said I.
"He's in the church, with the general, your honor," said the sergeant of the regiment, upon whom the mention of his officer's name seemed at once to have a sobering influence.