57. CHAPTER LVII.
THE SCOUTS.
“Captain Fink! Captain Fink!” said Captain Bim, “I
can't see the men, and I've turned round so much that I
don't know where to look for them.”
“That's exactly what I wanted,” replied Fink. “If we
can't see 'em or hear 'em, of course the enemy can't.
They've squatted.”
“But the ground's wet, here! Now, I'd have no objections
in the world to stand chin deep in a slimy frog-pond
to serve President Randolph or his daughter; but, for
the life of me, I can't see what we are posted among these
bulrushes for.”
“To be hid, I suppose, from the enemy,” said Fink.
“But, by George!” said Bim, “I don't want to be hid
from the enemy. I want to meet him face to face.”
“They'll want us,” said Lieutenant Click. “Fighting's
our trade, and our commanders know it. When they want
us they'll send for us.”
“Captain Bim,” said Fink, “that is the opinion of my
silent Lieutenant; and I've noticed that when he does speak
his opinion, it's worth listening to.”
“Very true, Captain,” said Bim. “I was too impatient,
and Click is right. A great French General once said the
army obeys and never deliberates. We are machines.
We act, and have no business to be thinking. The President
thinks for the Generals, the Generals for the Colonels,
the Colonels for the Majors, the Majors for the
Captains—and Major Milnor thought proper to place us
here, under the exclusive command of Miss Alice. Still I
can't help thinking that this will be rather a queer place for
Miss Alice to command in person. The tide is rising, and
we'll soon have to take to the boats.”
“Hist!” said Fink, in a whisper. “Some one approaches.”
And a few moments after they could distinguish the outlines
of a man walking boldly towards them.
“There's only one,” said Fink.
“Then I'll hail him,” said Bim. “Who goes there?”
“A friend,” was the response.
“Give the word.”
“The Stars and Stripes,” said the stranger.
“Right. Advance,” said Bim.
“I come from Miss Alice, Captain Bim,” said Willy.
“Wiry Willy!” said Bim. “Now I know it's all right.”
“She wants you, Captain Bim, and five of your best and
discreetest men to follow me.”
“To follow you? But I beg her pardon, I have no right
to ask questions. I'll be her Italian greyhound's corporal,
if she orders me to follow him. But she meant nothing
derogatory, I know! Go on. I'll follow.”
“Captain Fink,” continued Willy, “Miss Alice desires
that you will wait further orders.”
“Tell her I'm comfortable.”
Willy returned, followed by Bim and five of his men.
