The Virginians

ve quarters, the boys retired to their own room, and there poured out to one another their

cies of a stepfather of three-and-twenty! Oh, it was monstrous! Harry was for going straightway to his mother in her bedroom - where her black maidens were divesting her ladyship of the simple jewels and fineries which

mother," he said, "can't marry a man with whom one or both of us has been out on the field, and

," says he, "you are right. Mother can't marry our murderer; she won't be as bad as that. And if we pink him he is d

some complacency of his affair of honour at Quebec

sigh, looking with envy an

ty; "the laws of honour forbid such inhospitable treatment. But, sir, we can ride

nd, "and that we will, too. I say, Georgy . . ." Here the lad's

e campaign, I ought to have the other affair. Indeed, in

Harry will avenge me. But I must fight George Washington, Hal: and 'tis best I should; for, indeed, I ha

re pacable younger brother, "yo

edge, did one to any man, and I never will suffer one, if I can help it. I think very ill of Mr. Ward, but I don't think so badly of him as to suppose he will ever forgive thee th

e George's haughty bearing and rapid declamation, and prepared himself, with his usual docility, to follow his chief. So the boys went to their beds

d their vinous General, too stout a toper to have surrendered himself to a half-dozen bottles of Bordeaux, conducted to his chamber by the young gentlemen of the house, and speedily sleeping the sleep which friendly Bacchus gives. The good lady of Castlewood saw the condition of her guests without the least surprise or horror; and was up early in the morning, providing cooling drinks for their hot palates, which the servants carried to their respective chambers. At breakfast, one of the English officers rallied Mr. Franklin, who took no wine at all, and therefore

orning ensuing, had scarce leisure to remark the behaviour of her sons very closely, but at least saw that G

gers of the bottle, which she saw were amongst the severest and most certain which her son would have to face. She knew her boy must take his part in the world, and encounter his portion of evil and good. "Mr. Braddock is a perfect fine gentleman in the morning," she said stoutly to her aide-de-camp, Mrs. Mountain; "and though my papa did n

ded his Excellency to the steps of the verandah in front of her house, the young gentlemen followed, and stood on each side of his coach-door. The guard trumpeter blew a shrill

e's care; for Colonel Washington said: "With my life. You may depend on me," as the lads returned to their mother and the few guests still remaining in the por

l Washington was taking leave of her, and she was to see him no m

and my brother and I will ride with you a little way, George." George Warrington had already ordered his horses. The three young men were speedily under way, their negro grooms behind them, and Mrs. Mountain, who kne

nd family, the tender adieux which had just passed between him and the mistress of Castlewood, inclined the Colonel to forget the unpleasantness of the past days, and made him more than usually friendly with his young companion. George was quite gay and easy: it was Harry who was melancholy now: he rode silently and wistfu

with their commander must get the better of any force the French could bring against them, if only they moved in decent time. The ardent young Virginian soldier

m of the day and country, did not disdain to accept money from his guests in return for hospitalities provided. There was a recruiting station her

epared for such as were disposed to partake. George Warrington entered the place with a

was going to leave home and fight the French

aid Harry, "though I might bear my own share pre

brother," c

ge does not need any proo

f us, Colonel," says Mr. George, with a low bow

ourageous. As his eyes met his brother's, he read in George's look an announcement which

ys Mr. George,

the campaign, you ought not to have everything - and t

don't be alarmed. No names shall be men

g gentlemen knew, were sitting under the porc

, gentlemen?" cried one

ed cheeks, it was clear the gentlemen had a

y. "Fresh glasses, Mr. Benson! What, no

he 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 a

r lately adopted by him, and which had so much chafed

id for," says George;

y the liquor was not paid for," said th

y no. I drink the health of his Majesty, gentlemen," cried Ge

n Grace and Mr. Waring, both drank "The King." Harry Warrington drank "The King."

which toast there was likewise no gainsaying. Colon

tomach the toast, Co

onel. "It seems to me the Duke and the Army would be serve

gular troops as yet," said Captai

e not,

tion, "never neglects a toast of that sort, nor any other duty. A man who refuses to

unk, sir!" roared Colonel Washington, jumpi

I'm drunk!" shrieks out Captain G

liquor called for was mine: the table was mine - and I am shocked to hear such monstrous languag

or months past, I have borne with such impudence from you, that if I had not loved your mother - yes, sir, and your good grandfather and your brother - I would - I would -"

grandfather, and my brother, and my mother. You are making her petticoat a

le puppy, that's what I would do!" cried the Colonel, who had f

on you should insult either of us!" here cried Harry, starting up. "What you have said

rdo

ion that is due to gent

od facing him, with his fair hair, flushing cheeks, and quivering voice, an immense tenderness and kindness filled the bosom of the elder man. "I- I am bew

and guileless gentleman before him. "You are shirking from the question, sir, as you did from the toast just now," he said.

says Mr. Washington, with t

e militia captain - colonel, what is he? You've insulted me! Oh, Waring! to think I should be insulted by a

affected by humour, and had no disposition to laugh as the others had a

irs not enough for you, and must I come into the quarrel,

ir!" cries poor

ath, I would. That's one affair with young Mr. George Warrington. Mr. Harry, of course, as a young man of spirit, will stand by his brother. That's two. Between Grace and the Colonel apology is impossible. And, now - run me through the body! - you call an officer of my regiment - of Halkett's, sir! - a hog before my face! Great heavens, sir! Mr. Washington, are you all li

would seem as if I was drunk, and not you, as you all are. I withdraw nothing. I apologise for noth

Warrington. "This affair can proceed, sir, without any further in

r, sir!" said the Col

emen's conversation)- and he rose staggering from his seat, and reeled towards his sword, which he had laid by the door, and fell as he reached th

rrow," the militia Colonel said, turning to the other king's off

s hand nor mine are partic

r. Warrington, gla

and as savage. "Be it so - with what

at you with them. You know that from our o

rge! God pardon you, Harry! for bringing me into this quarre

names, who talked of a cane, who insulted a gentleman in a public place before gentlemen of the ar

rning very red, and as if st

s it that boyish quarrel

your slave, George Washington, and I never will be. I hated you then, and I hate you no

enuine grief on his face, and at his heart. "Do you b

The sadness on their adversary's face did not depart. "Heaven be good to us! 'Tis all clear now," he mu

ride out with any; but will send Sady back for mine

eorge walked away. The Virginian officer looked towards the two unlucky captains, who were by this time help

ng horses with 'em. And Jack and Tom got 'em to play cards; and they didn't win - the British Captains didn't. And Jack and Tom challenged them to drink for the honour

f ours, before you turned farmer and taverner. You will help m

a time, tended my poor wife in her lying-in, and doctored our Betty in the fever. You ain't a-going to be very hard with them

's portmanteau, and as he looked from the window, he saw Sady, George Warrington's negro, galloping away upon his errand, doubtless, and in the direction of Castlewood. The Colonel, young and naturally hot-headed, but the most courteous and scrupulous of men, and ever keeping his strong passions under guard, could not but think with amazement of the position in which he found, himself, and of the three, perhaps four enemies, who appeared suddenly before him, menacing his life. How had this strange serie