The
French always do so when they change their cantonments; that is, if
there be any thing left in the country around. If our hands were not
tied, we might yet learn some clever arts from Monsieur. Junot's
system was to drive up all the farm cattle of the neighborhood just
before he marched off; then allow them to be redeemed at a low cash
price. He found it a capital way to extract the last hidden crusado."
"You have mastered the enemy's system thoroughly," said L'Isle, with a
sneer. "But as our hands are tied, we cannot imitate them. Perhaps it
would better become your position in the brigade, for you to try and
rouse his lordship to the necessity of checking the license that is
growing daily."
"I would gladly do so," said Bradshawe; "but being no Oxford logician,
have not your irresistible power of convincing him. You have handled
the matter so fully and ably, that I need only repeat faithfully every
word you have said. You may depend upon me for that." And, turning
his horse, he rode gently off toward headquarters, while L'Isle
galloped up the hill to Elvas.
Bradshawe found Lord Strathern in as great a rage as the comrade he
had just parted with; so he amused himself with drawing out from his
lordship a recital of their late conversation, which he repaid with a
sketch of L'Isle's roadside conference with himself.
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