made the novel observation that Rome had not been built
in a day.

The corporal looked sharply at the last speaker, as if
not fully comprehending his meaning.

"Jackson means no great harm if we never got out again,"
interposed Collins, "and I think as he does, for I see
no fun in rowing four or five miles to fish, and scarcely
getting a sight of one."

"Well, but Collins, that's not always our luck. I'm sure
we've had sport enough before. It must be because the
weather's rather cold today, that the fish won't bite."

"It's of no use his grumbling, Philips," remarked Corporal
Nixon, "we're here, not so much for own sport as on a
duty for the garrison. Let me hear no more of this,
Collins."

"Well, corporal that's true enough," said Green, "but
dash me if it isn't temptin' to see them fellows there
stealin' upon us, and we lookin' on, and doin' nothin'."

"What fellows do you mean?" inquired the corporal, suddenly
starting to his feet, and looking down the river.

"Why, them ducks to be sure, see how they come sailin'
up to us, as if they knowed all about the captin's
order--no jumpin' or friskin' now, but all of a heap