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Fancher stood far a moment, his rain-smeared lantern hanging motionless at his side. "Tarleton may not ride tonight," he said, and moved off a step or two; then, turning: "But, damn him, I think he will," said he. And walked away, swinging his light as furiously as a panther thrashes his tail.
And I knew that our videttes should long since have been set far out on every road twixt here and Bedford village. Captain Fancher passed with a lantern, and I ventured to accost him and mention very modestly my present misgivings concerning our present situation.
"A glass with you, sir," he said, and as we nodded our heads solemnly over the rims I felt that there had come to my help one poor little frightened friend. As for my first acquaintance, he, seeing me attacked not only by the redoubtable Fullbil, but also by the formidable Bobbs and the dangerous Fancher, had immediately begun to pretend that never in his life had he spoken to me.
Here old Fullbil let go two or three growls of scornful disapproval. "Fancher," said he, "my delight in your company is sometimes dimmed by my appreciation of your facilities for being entirely wrong. The great theory of which you speak so confidently, sir, was born no earlier than seven o'clock on the morning of this day. I was in my bed, sir; the maid had come in with my tea and toast.
"Kensington is due to arrive in a few moments, and I want you here when I talk to him. If any of his words or actions appear inconsistent in any way to you, I want you to let me know." Fancher sighed silently, returned to his chair and puffed disconsolately on the cigar. Some five minutes passed. Then there was a firm rap on the door. "Come in!" called the Chief in his reedy voice.
Major Lockwood went to him instantly, and drew him in the door; and they spoke together in low and rapid tones. Mrs. Lockwood murmured in my ear: "It's one of Luther's men. There is bad news for us from below, I warrant you." We heard the Major say: "You will instantly acquaint Colonels Thomas and Sheldon with this news. Tell Captain Fancher, too, in passing."
An emaciated person can withstand this drain less effectually than one who is stout and fat. Again, it is said that the food taken by Miss Fancher was at once rejected. That it was all rejected, is in the highest degree improbable; a portion remained, and this portion, small as it was, did good service when very little was required.
Anyway, he'd be damned if he'd permit recruiting for riflemen among his dragoons, it being contrary to law and common sense. "I've a dozen young fellows who might qualify," said Colonel Thomas bluntly, "but if the law permits Mr. Boyd to take them my regiment's volleys wouldn't stop a charge of chipmunks!" We all laughed a little, and Captain Fancher said: "Minute Men are Minute Men, Mr. Boyd.
G. O. T. Hennessey Goat Hennessey?" asked the Chief calmly. Fancher blinked at this unexpected line of questioning. A cloud passed over Dark's face, as though the name had triggered something in him that he could not quite remember. "He was a very good friend of mine," answered Dark, "although it seems that something happened between us that I can't quite recollect.
Fancher, now himself again, said: "I wish to ask the learned doctor whether he refers to Chinese kites?" The little man hurriedly replied that he had not Chinese kites in his mind at all. "Very good, then," said the great critic. "Very good." "But, sir," said Fullbil to little Chord, "how is it that kites may fly without the aid of demons or spirits, if they are made by man?
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