smile, and grasping the arms of his chair to sustain himself.

'Yes; I have been meaning to come a long time, as I knew you'd like
to have me, Uncle Benjy; and 'tisn't in my heart to refuse you.'

'You always was kind that way!'

'Yes; I always was. But I ought to tell you at once, not to
disappoint you, that I shan't be here always--all day, that is,
because of my military duties as a cavalry man.'

'O, not always? That's a pity!' exclaimed the farmer with a
cheerful eye.

'I knew you'd say so. And I shan't be able to sleep here at night
sometimes, for the same reason.'

'Not sleep here o' nights?' said the old gentleman, still more
relieved. 'You ought to sleep here--you certainly ought; in short,
you must. But you can't!'

'Not while we are with the colours. But directly that's over--the
very next day--I'll stay here all day, and all night too, to oblige
you, since you ask me so very kindly.'

'Th-thank ye, that will be very nice!' said Uncle Benjy.

'Yes, I knew 'twould relieve ye.' And he kindly stroked his uncle's
head, the old man expressing his enjoyment at the affectionate token
by a death's-head grimace. 'I should have called to see you the