I'd duck him in a river until he
gasped for breath, I'd drag him naked through a briar patch, and then
I'd tar and feather him, and ride him on a rail."
"Heavens, Arthur! I didn't dream that your nature contained so much
cruelty! Who is this person over whose torture you would gloat like a
red Indian?"
"It is the man who first said that one Southerner could whip five
Yankees."
"Arthur," said Colonel Talbot, "your anger is just and becomes you.
When the war is over, if we all are spared we'll form a group and hunt
this fellow until we find him. And then, please God, if the gallows of
Haman is still in existence, we'll hang him on it with promptness and
dispatch. I believe in the due and orderly process of the law, but in
this case lynching is not only justifiable, but it's an honor to the
country."
"Well spoken, Leonidas! Well spoken!" said Lieutenant-Colonel Hector
St. Hilaire. "I'm glad that Arthur mentioned the matter, and we'll bear
it in mind. You can count upon me."
"And here is coffee," said Happy Tom. "I made this myself, the camp cook
liking me and giving me a chance. I'd really be a wonderful cook if I
had the proper training, and I may come to it, if we lose the war.
Still, the chance even then is slight, because my father, when red war
showed its edge over the horizon, put all his money in the best British
securities.
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