ercorn. Learn that from me: I never in my campaigns knowed any harm
done by being too early. So, Master Orderly, call the roll."

"Ready, sir; always ready when you command," answered Peppercorn. "Shall
I call the ragamuffins by their nicknames, or will you have them handled
like christians."

"On secret service," said Habershaw, "it is always best to use them to
their nicknames."

"As when they go horse-stealing, or house-burning, or throat-cutting,"
interrupted Peppercorn.

"Order, sir, no indecencies! do you hear? Go on with your roll, if you
have got it by heart. Be musical, dog!"

"Faith will I, most consummate captain! It is just to my hand: I'll sing
you like a bagpipe. I have learnt the rollcall handsomely, and can go
through it as if it were a song."

"Begin then: the time is coming when we must move. I think I hear Black
Jack's horse breaking through the bushes now."

"Attention, you devil's babies, the whole of you!" shouted Peppercorn.
"Horse and gun, every mother's imp of you!"

In a moment the idlers sprang to their weapons and mounted their horses.

"Answer to your names," said the orderly; "and see that you do it
discreetly. Pimple!"

"Here," answered one of the disorderly crew, with a laugh.

"Silence in the ranks!" cried Habershaw, "or, by the blood of your
bodies, I'll make my whinger acquainted with your hearts!"

"Long Shanks."

"Here! if you mean me," said another.

"Good! Black Jack."

"On patrole," said the captain.

"Red Mug."

"At the book," answered the man in the ranks; and here rose another
laugh.

"Red Mug! do you mind me?" said Habershaw, in a threatening tone, as his
eye squinted fiercely towards the person addressed.

"Platter Breech."

"I'll stand out against the nickname," said the person intended to be
designated, whilst the whole squad began to give symptoms of a mutiny of
merriment. "I'll be d----d if I will have it, and that's as good as if I
swore to it. I am not going to be cajoled at by the whole company."

"Silence! Blood and butter, you villains!" roared the captain. "Don't
you see that you're in line? How often have I told you that it's against
discipline to chirp above a whisper when you are drawn out? Take care
that I hav'n't to remind you of that again! Andy Clopper, you will keep
the denomination I have set upon you. Platter Breech is a good
soldier-like name, and you shall die in it, if I bid you. Go on,
Orderly--proceed!"

"Marrow Bone."