Nothing could have been more savagely incisive than the tone, nothing
more purposed to wound.

'You caught this horse rather cleverly,' said De Blacquaire, 'and I'm
very much obliged to you. Of course, you understand that a man doesn't
go into action with a lot of money about him; but if you'll ask for
me at headquarters this evening, Major de Blacquaire, you'll find
half-a-sovereign waiting for you. You can ask my man for it.'

The Major stood drawling there, with purposed insult in word and tone
and smile, and Polson, leaning downward, drew his dragoon's gauntlet
from the left hand, and struck him across the face with it.

'I suppose,' he said, 'that's flat mutiny, and whilst I am about it,
here's another sample of the same.'

The Major retreated behind his horse, and stood there, almost speechless
with indignation.

'I threatened you with a hiding once before,' said Polson. 'And you were
cur enough to run away. I told you on the day I joined that if we ever
met again and by word or look or gesture you insulted me, I would spoil
that handsome face of yours. You can report against me, if you like, and
I dare say that if you do it may go pretty hard with me. But I will let
you off for the moment with what you have taken, and for the present I
will say good evening to you.'

He drew on his gauntlet as he spoke, and turned his horse's head.

'Wait there,' said De Blacquaire. 'I have just one word to say to you.
You know that I could have you triced to the triangle and flogged?'
Polson nodded, but said nothing. His eyes spoke for him. 'You know I
could have you court-martialled and shot?'

'Like enough,' said Polson. Major de Blacquaire swung into the saddle.
'I don't care to take revenge that way,' he said. 'I have known you
always for an impudent and underbred young cub; but you go by way of
pretending to be a gentleman, and I have my punishment in store for you.
I learned something of you from your friend, Captain Volnay, and amongst
other things I find you are playing Quixote. When the campaign is over
you'll be going back to the old thief's thousands. I will give you
a gaol-bird to go back to. I have at quarters what amounts to a
confession. It's an offer of restitution from Mr. Jervase; and I am not
disposed to accept it. The case must slumber until this little business
is over; but when I get back I will make a criminal prosecution of it,
and you may make up your mind for whatever it may be worth that the
w