"Come, general, don't be all day! How can you waste time over such
nonsense!"
"My dear," said her husband, gravely, as he rejoined her, "this
regiment is to form part of my brigade"--McKay pricked up his
ears--"it is the first time I have seen any of it. You must allow
me--"
"I am going on into the town; inspecting guards doesn't amuse me," and
the general discreetly abandoned his professional duties and walked on
by her side.
The guard was dismissed by its commander; the men "lodged arms" and
went back to the guard-room. Only Sergeant Hyde remained outside,
watching the retreating figures of the Wilders' party.
"I should have known her voice again amongst a thousand," said the old
sergeant, shaking his head; "and from the glimpse I caught of her she
seemed but little changed. I wonder whether she saw me. Not that she
would have recognised me; I am not what I was. No one here has made me
out, although a dozen years ago I was well known all over the Rock.
Besides, how could she see me? I was on the other flank, and,
fortunately, she left the general to inspect us by himself. Poor man!
I had rather be a sergeant--a private even--than stand in that
general's shoes."
CHAPTER VII.
AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE.
The Wilders' party, after leaving the Waterport, passed through the
Casemate Barrack Square and entered Waterport Street, the chief
thoroughfare of the town.
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