father. He is very well off just now. Look here--if we're not on
the wall when you come by, don't stop; but if we are, please,
PLEASE do!'

The officer pulled his moustache and looked as if he did not know;
but at last he said 'Yes', and we were very glad, though but Alice
and Oswald knew the dark but pleasant scheme at present fermenting
in their youthful nuts.

The captain talked a lot to us. At last Noel said--

'I think you are like Diarmid of the Golden Collar. But I should
like to see your sword out, and shining in the sun like burnished
silver.'

The captain laughed and grasped the hilt of his good blade. But
Oswald said hurriedly--

'Don't. Not yet. We shan't ever have a chance like this. If
you'd only show us the pursuing practice! Albert's uncle knows it;
but he only does it on an armchair, because he hasn't a horse.'

And that brave and swagger captain did really do it. He rode his
horse right into our gate when we opened it, and showed us all the
cuts, thrusts, and guards. There are four of each kind. It was
splendid. The morning sun shone on his flashing blade, and his
good steed stood with all its legs far apart and stiff on the lawn.

Then we opened the paddock gate, and he did it again, while the
horse galloped as if upon the bloody battlefield among the fierce