uld Jasper turn out as you seem to anticipate; though I
think I would risk my life on his truth."

"I like your confidence--it speaks well for the fellow; but that
infernal letter! there is such an air of truth about it; nay, there is
so much truth in it, touching other matters."

"I think your honor said it wanted the name at the bottom; a great
omission for an honest man to make."

"Quite right, Dunham, and no one but a rascal, and a cowardly rascal in
the bargain, would write an anonymous letter on private affairs. It
is different, however, in war; despatches are feigned, and artifice is
generally allowed to be justifiable."

"Military manly artifices, sir, if you will; such as ambushes,
surprises, feints, false attacks, and even spies; but I never heard of
a true soldier who could wish to undermine the character of an honest
young man by such means as these."

"I have met with many strange events, and some stranger people, in the
course of my experience. But fare you well, Sergeant; I must detain you
no longer. You are now on your guard, and I recommend to you untiring
vigilance. I think Muir means shortly to retire; and, should you
fully succeed in this enterprise, my influence will not be wanting in
endeavoring to put you in the vacancy, to which you have many claims."

"I humbly thank your honor," coolly returned the Sergeant, who had been
encouraged in this manner any time for the twenty preceding years, "and
hope I shall never disgrace my station, whatever it may be. I am what
nature and Providence have made me, and hope I'm satisfied."

"You have not forgotten the howitzer?"

"Jasper took it on board this morning, sir."

"Be wary, and do not trust that man unnecessarily. Make a confidant of
Pathfinder at once; he may be of service in detecting any villainy
that may be stirring. His simple honesty will favor his observation by
concealing it. He _must_ be true."

"For him, sir, my own head shall answer, or even my rank in the
regiment. I have seen him too often tried to doubt him."

"Of all wretched sensations, Dunham, distrust, where one is compelled
to confide, is the most painful. You have bethought you of the spare
flints?"

"A sergeant is a safe commander for all such details, your honor."

"Well, then, give me your hand, Dunham. God bless you! and may you be
successful! Muir means to retire,--by the way, let the man have an equal
chance with your daughter, for it may facilitate future operat