"There's our colonel, ma'am--at least the colonel's wife, ma'am; she's inspecting the regiments baggage in the inner court"
"Come, come!" said the lady hurriedly, on hearing this, and again Mr Clam was forced along. In the inner court a stout lady, dressed in a man's hat and a green riding-habit without the skirts, was busily employed in taking the numbers of an amazing quantity of trunks and boxes, and seeing that all was right, with the skill and quickness of the guard of a heavy coach. She looked up quickly when she saw Mr Clam and his companion approach.
"I hope you will pardon me, madam, for addressing you," said the latter, dropping Mr Clam's arm, and lifting her veil.
"Be quick about it," said the colonel's wife; "I've no time to put off. Hand down that box, No. 19, H. G.," she continued to a sergeant who was perched on the top of the luggage.
"I wished to see you on a very interesting subject, madam."
"Love, I'll bet a guinea--who has deserted you now?--that green chest, Henicky, No. 34."
"There is an officer in this regiment of the name of Chatterton?"
"Yes, he's one of my young men, though I've not seen him yet. What then?"
"If it's on regimental business, I shall listen to you, of course; but if it's some nonsensical love affair, you must go to Colonel Sword. I never trouble myself about such matters."
"Why can't you see him? Go into the commandant's room. You'll find him rocking the cradle of Tippoo Wellington, my youngest son! That other box, Henicky, L. M. And who is this old man with you?" continued Mrs Sword. "Your attorney, I suppose? See that you aren't ducked at the pump before you get out, old man; for I allow no lawyers inside these walls."
"Ma'am?" enquired Mr Clam, bewildered at the sudden address of the officer in command.
"It's a fact, as you'll find; so, make haste, young woman, and Sword will settle your business."
"Captain Hope is not come on shore yet, I believe?" said the lady.
"Charlie Hope? No! he's bringing the men and baggage. Has _he_ deserted you too? Go to Sword, I tell you; and let your legal friend retreat without beat of drum. How many chests is this, Henicky?"
The Amazonian Mrs Sword proceeded with her work, and Mr Clam stood stupified with surprise. His companion, in the mean time, proceeded as directed to the commandant's house, and in a short time found herself in presence of Colonel Sword.
