red the public room, and
found a rough meal prepared for such as were disposed to partake. George
Warrington entered the place with a particularly gay and lively air,
whereas poor Harry's face was quite white and woebegone.

"One would think, Squire Harry, 'twas you who was going to leave home
and fight the French and Indians, and not Mr. George," says Benson.

"I may be alarmed about danger to my brother," said Harry, "though I
might bear my own share pretty well. 'Tis not my fault that I stay at
home."

"No, indeed, brother," cries George.

"Harry Warrington's courage does not need any proof!" cries Mr.
Washington.

"You do the family honour by speaking so well of us, Colonel," says Mr.
George, with a low bow. "I dare say we can hold our own, if need be."

Whilst his friend was vaunting his courage, Harry looked, to say the
truth, by no means courageous. As his eyes met his brother's, he read in
George's look an announcement which alarmed the fond faithful lad. "You
are not going to do it now?" he whispered his brother.

"Yes, now," says Mr. George, very steadily.

"For God's sake, let me have the turn. You are going on the campaign,
you ought not to have everything--and there may be an explanation,
George. We may be all wrong."

"Psha, how can we? It must be done now--don't be alarmed. No names shall
be mentioned--I shall easily find a subject."

A couple of Halkett's officers, whom our young gentlemen knew, were
sitting under the porch, with the Virginian toddy-bowl before them.

"What are you conspiring, gentlemen?" cried one of them. "Is it a
drink?"

By the tone of their voices and their flushed cheeks, it was clear the
gentlemen had already been engaged in drinking that morning.

"The very thing, sir," George said gaily. "Fresh glasses, Mr. Benson!
What, no glasses? Then we must have at the bowl."

"Many a good man has drunk from it," says Mr. Benson; and the lads one
after another, and bowing first to their military acquaintance, touched
the bowl with their lips. The liquor did not seem to be much diminished
for the boys' drinking, though George especially gave himself a toper's
airs, and protested it was delicious after their ride. He called out
to Colonel Washington, who was at the porch, to join his friends, and
drink.

The lad's tone was offensive, and resembled the manner lately adopted by
him, and which had so much chafed Mr. Washington. He bowed, and said he
was not thirsty.

"Nay, t