steed, chafing on the bit and pawing the ground, were in striking
contrast with the unruffled Bradshawe on his sleek cob, whose temper
was as smooth as his coat.

"The fact is," said L'Isle, in what was meant for an explanatory tone,
"I have just had a serious conversation with Lord Strathern--"

"Which grew quite animated before it came to an end," interjected
Bradshawe, coolly.

"In which I took the liberty of expressing my opinion," continued
L'Isle--

"Rather strongly on the subject of discipline, military license, and
the articles of war," interjected Bradshawe again.

"You are happy in your surmises, sir," said L'Isle, stiffly; for
Bradshawe's imperturbable manner chafed him much in his present mood.

"Surmises! my dear fellow. Do I not know your opinions and my lord's?
You believe the rules and regulations were made to be enforced _ad
literam_, and he thinks they are to be hung up _in terrorem_. My
lord," added Bradshawe, in a calm, judicial tone, "is the more
mistaken of the two."

"Since you so far agree with me," said L'Isle, "would it not be well
for you to remind his lordship that it is time to enforce some of the
rules and regulations for the government of his Majesty's troops, if
he would have his brigade consist of soldiers, and not of robbers."