"The musket-ball that Osceola sent through my shoulder sometimes troubles me a little; but I am so accustomed to wounds that I scarcely mind it." "How do you like California," inquired Frank, thinking that he ought to say something.
"O, I like the country well enough; but belonging, as I do, to one of the oldest and wealthiest families of the State of Kentucky, I can find no congenial society among these backwoodsmen." Frank had no reply to make to this declaration.

That one remark had revealed as much of the character of Arthur Vane as he cared to become acquainted with.

The latter evidently looked upon himself as something better than the common herd of mankind, and Frank wondered why he did not stay at home, if he could find no pleasure in the society of the boys of that country.
"I have heard of you," continued Arthur, loftily; "and I understand that you are looked upon as a hero in this settlement." "I do not claim the honor," modestly replied Frank.
"I have always observed," the visitor went on to say, "that the ideas which ignorant people entertain concerning heroes are ludicrous in the extreme.

Now, I have met with more adventures than generally fall to the lot of mortals; but, being a modest young man, I have never allowed any one to apply that name to me.

I have been in battles--desperate battles.
I have seen the cheek of the bravest blanched with terror; but I never flinched.