constituted an ample fortune. Before he got
his pension, poor Primus would sometimes cast a rueful glance at his
wooden leg, and think to himself he had paid a pretty dear price for
independence; and at such times, it must be confessed, his patriotism
ran to a low ebb. He knew no Latin, and therefore could not say, "_sic
vos non vobis_," &c., yet he thought it. But after he obtained his
little annuity, the love of country of the Horatii or Curiatii was
frigid to his. He was never weary of boasting of its freedom, of its
greatness, and of General Washington. It was observed that as he
grew older his stories became longer and more incredible, and his
patriotism hotter. His own personal exploits too, occupied a wider
space in his narratives. To believe him, the number of British and
Hessians conquered by his single arm would have composed a regiment;
and, indeed, it was difficult to conceive how the struggle could have
been brought to a successful issue without his assistance.

"Good morning, General," said Felix, politely touching his cap.

"Good warning, Missa Qui I hope I see you well dis pleasant marning.
How Miss Rosa?" inquired Primus, at the same time making a military
salute with the back of his hand.

"Miss Rosa is well, thank you, sir. As for this genlman, he is always
well," said Felix, laying his hand on his breast.

"Fine day for walking, sir. Sorry you going de oder way, Missa Qui.
Suppose you hab business."

"I walk out for the exercise. I have not take exercise enough lately
for the health."

At this moment the eye of Primus caught sight of a white piece of
paper sticking out of a corner of Felix's pocket, and he suspected the
errand on which the latter was sent, so he added:

"You celumbrate Tanksgiving in de usual style at your house dis year,
I presume."

"Some witch tell you, General. Haw, haw!"

"De ole chimbly smoke extrorninary at dis season. De chickens and de
turkies know dat chimbly well."

"Guess they do," said Felix. "General Ransome, can you keep a secret?"

"I is close as Missa Pint pocket, dat button all round," said the old
negro.

"Then I have no objections to tell you, General, that I give out some
invite this morning to ladies and genlmen to take dinner at my house,
Thanksgiving Day."

"Hab you one for me?"

"Look for yourself, sir," said Felix, pulling out two or three billets
from the left pocket of his waistcoat, and presenting them to the
other. "You sociate with Ge