introducing to the reader.

The next officer in rank was Lieutenant Elmsley, married
also, and about ten years the junior of Headley. From
causes, which will be explained in the coarse of our
narrative, the subaltern did not incline to place that
confidence in the measures and judgment of his captain,
which, it has been shown, the latter almost invariably
accorded to HIS superiors, and hence arose feelings,
that, without absolutely alienating them--for, in their
relative military positions this could never be--rendered
their intercourse daily more and more formal, until, in
the end, a sentiment almost of enmity prevailed. In a
remote garrison like this such an evil was the more to
be regretted, even while there was the greater probability,
from absence of serious occupation, of its occurrence.

The junior subaltern was Ensign Ronayne, a high-spirited
young Southerner, who had now been three years at the
post, and within that period, had, by his frank demeanor,
and handsome person, won the regard of all--military and
civil--there and in the neighborhood. Enterprising,
ardent, fearless, and chivalrous, this young man had
passed the first year of what he, then, considered little
short of banishment, in a restless desire for adventure;
but at the end of that period, came a marked change over
him, and the spirit that had panted exclusively for
action, now bent before a gentler and a holier influence.

Last of the officers of this little fort, was the surgeon.