drank whenever we
were thirsty, and when we were not thirsty; and to create a thirst, we
qualified our claret with brandy; and generally forgot the water, or
substituted Madeira for it, in making our punch. This portion of our
body, like Jack Falstaff, was given to sleeping on bulkheads on
moonlight nights, shooting in the mid-day sun, riding races, and
sometimes, hem! assisting--a--a--at drinking-matches."

Here the worthy soldier made a pause, appeared more thirsty than ever,
scolded Quasha for not brandying his sangaree, and swigging it with the
air of Alexander, when he proceeded to drain the cup that was fatal, he
looked round with conscious superiority. The pale ensign looked more
pale--the sentimental lieutenants more sentimental--many thrust their
wine and their punch from before them, and there was a sudden
competition for the water-jug. The marine carried a stronger expression
than anxiety upon his features--it was consternation--and thus
hesitatingly delivered himself:

"And--so--so--sir, the _bons vivants_--deluded--poor deluded gentlemen!
all perished--but--pardon me--delicate dilemma--but _yourself_, my good
major."

"Exactly, Mr Smallcoates; and within the eighteen months."

There was a perceptible shudder through the company, military as well as
naval. The pure element became in more demand than ever, and those who
did not actually push away their claret, watered it. The imperturbable
major brandied his sangaree more potently.

"But," said Mr Smallcoates, brightening up, "the temperate gentlemen
all escaped the contagion--_undoubtedly_!"

"I beg your pardon--they _all died within the year_. I alone remain of
all the officers to tell the tale. The year eight was dreadful. Poor
fellows!" The good major's voice faltered, and he bent over his
sangaree much longer than was necessary to enjoy the draught.

Blank horror passed her fearful glance from guest to guest. Even the
rubicund doctor's mouth was twitched awry. I did not quite like it
myself.

"But I'm alive," said the major, rallying up from his bitter
recollections, "and the brandy is just as invigorating, and the wine
just as refreshing as ever."

"The major _is_ alive," said the marine officer, very sapiently. "Is
that brandy before you, Mr Farmer? I'll trouble you for it--I really
feel this claret very cold upon my stomach. Yes," he repeated, after
taking down a tumbler-full of half spirits, half wine, "the major _is_
alive-