Page:The Partisan (revised).djvu/136

 Either the other understood him not, with an obtuseness not common with him, or he chose not to understand him, as he replied&mdash;

"Why that, sir, is what he seeks&mdash;it is what Lord Cornwallis desires, and what, sir, would, permit me to say, be to me, individually, the greatest pleasure. Your co-operation here, sir, would do more towards quieting discontent than any other influence."

The manner of Walton was unusually grave and deliberate.

"You have mistaken me, Major Proctor. When I spoke of taking up the sword, sir, I spoke of an alternative. I meant not to take up the sword to fight your battles, but my own. If this necessity is to be fixed upon me, sir, I shall have no loss to know my duty."

"Sir&mdash;Colonel Walton&mdash;beware! As a British officer, in his majesty's commission, I must not listen to this language. You will remember, sir, that I am in command of this garrison, and of the neighbouring country&mdash;bound to repress every show of disaffection, and with the power to determine, in the last resort, without restraint, should my judgment hold it necessary. I would not willingly be harsh; and you will spare me, sir, from hearing those sentiments uttered which become not the ears of a loyal subject."

"I am a free man, Major Proctor&mdash;I would be one, at least. Things I must call by their right names; and, as such, I do not hesitate to pronounce this decree a most dishonest and criminal proceeding, which should call up every honest hand in retribution. Sir Henry Clinton has done this day what he will long be sorry for."

"And what, permit me to add, Colonel Walton&mdash;what I myself am sorry for. But it is not for me to question the propriety of that which my duty calls upon me to enforce."

"And pray, sir, what are the penalties of disobedience to this mandate?"

"Sequestration of property and imprisonment, at the discretion of the several commandants of stations."

"Poor Kate!&mdash;But it is well it is no worse." The words fell unconsciously from the lips of the speaker: he half strode over the