Who is the lieutenant ?" "A Dragoon, sir." "Peter," I broke out, irritated beyond patience, "I have some reason to believe you a liar.

But I am going to get the truth from you if I have to choke it out." "Yes, sir; very good, indeed, sir.

However, there would seem to be no need of your resorting to such extreme measures, sir." "Then you will tell me what I wish to know ?" "It will afford me pleasure, sir." Somehow I could not rid myself of the suspicion that the fellow was secretly laughing at me, yet his round face was innocent and placid, his eyes discreetly lowered.
"Then kindly inform me, first of all, who this young lieutenant is." "I fear, sir," solemnly, "that I may have misinformed you when I said he was a Dragoon." "Yes!" eagerly.
"I would correct my statement somewhat--he is a Light Dragoon, sir." In spite of my effort at self-control, I swore, tempted to batter that stolid face, yet realizing the utter uselessness of such violence.
"Now, see here!" I broke forth fiercely.

"Have done with your play.

You are no soldier; I doubt if you were ever on a horse's back until to-night.