at the same time they
will not bear the brunt of disobeying the order themselves, and not let
the men run any risk. It is hard to tell," continued the Adjutant, in a
measured tone, refilling his pipe as he spoke, "what it will result in;
but Pigey is in power, and like all in authority, has his toadies about
him, and you may make up your minds that he will not be sparing in his
charges, or in the testimony to support them. Our Colonel and
Lieut.-Colonel, I know, feel outraged at the bare idea of being
subjected to such an order. They are both earnest men, have both made
heavy sacrifices to enter the service, and have never failed in duty,
although, like most volunteer officers of spirit, they are somewhat
restiff under authority. The Colonel, being an old soldier, and
thoroughly acquainted with his work, is especially restiff under the
authority of an officer so poorly fitted for his position as our
Division General. But our turn must come. Every Regiment in the Division
has suffered from his Court-martialling and studied interference, and so
far we have been fortunate enough to escape. And with the insight I now
have, I believe the glandered horse and the little whiffet that yelped
and disturbed the General's ideas of a proper Review, will prove to be
at the bottom of the whole matter."

"Tom," interrupted the Captain, "you will have to put your record in
better shape."

"How can I do it?" said the Sutler.

"By sending Pigey a bill for the three dollars you paid to have the
horse shot."

The crowd boisterously applauded the proposition, and insisted upon its
execution. Desultory conversation followed until "Taps" dispersed them
to their quarters.

Grumbling is claimed as a soldier's privilege, and the Sutler's tent
being a lounging place when off duty, becomes a place of grumbling, much
like the place of wailing that the Jews have on the outskirts of
Jerusalem.

A fortnight later saw the crowd in their old position, but with
countenances in which it was difficult to say whether anxiety or anger
predominated.

"Fellows, it is terminating just as the Adjutant prophesied a short time
ago in this very place," said a Captain slightly past the prime of life,
but of vigorous build. "In trying to keep the men out of dress coats,
the Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel have got themselves into all manner
of trouble, and there is no let-up with old Pigey. I saw them this
morning both as cheerful as crickets, and determined