I was a young man.

I urge no more excuse.

I am setting down simply the truth, as I have promised.
The girl looked about, gladly, I thought, at the sound of a shuffling step approaching.

"You, Aunt Mandy ?" she called out.

And to me, "I must say good-night, sir." I turned away moodily, and found the embers of the fire at my own camp.
Not far away I could hear the stamp of horses, the occasional sound of low voices and of laughter, where some of the enlisted men were grouped upon the ground.