I sprang behind the hydrant, and at the same instant
another cap snapped.
"Ah, gentlemen," said the voice emerging from the tunnel. "Had I been
quite sure of myself I should have sent for you. I used to snuff a
candle at fo'ty yards, and but that my powder is a little old I could
do it ag'in."
CHAPTER VII
_The Outcome of a Council of War_
When early the next morning, Fitz and I arrived at the colonel's office
he was already on hand and in a state of high nervous excitement. His
coat, which, so far as a coat might, always expressed in its various
combinations the condition of his mind, was buttoned close up under
his chin, giving to his slender figure quite a military air. He was
pacing the floor with measured tread; one hand thrust into his bosom,
senator fashion, the other held behind his back.
"Not a line, suh; not the scrape of a pen. If his purpose, suh, is to
ignore me altogether, I shall horsewhip him on sight."
"Have you looked through the firm's mail?" said Fitz, glad of the
respite.
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