Under Fire: A Tale of the Shenandoah Valley — page 32: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

TWO IS COMPANY, BUT THREE IS A CROWD, 95 that worthy smoking a cigar by the open window, and rather impatiently awaiting his appearance. ‘“Good-day, Major de Banyan.”’ ‘“Happy to see you, Captain T'rafton.’’ ‘“You are enjoying yourself, major ?”? ‘‘Faith, captain, it’s a weakness I have, and one of the penalties of a good digestion.”’ ‘“Of course,’’ said Ezra, drawing up a chair. ‘“‘I can easily see you’re in prime condition. ”’ “Thank you—I’m suffering from my usual good health. And now, please the pigs, may I inquire to what I am indebted for this distinguished honor ?”? ‘Certainly, major; I have pressing need for your services this evening, for which I intend, as on for- mer occasions, to offer you a handsome gratuity.’’ — The major gave a low whistle. ‘“Oh, is that the way the wind blows. By me soul, you couldn’t have called ata more fitting opportu- nity, as my exchequer 1s most alarmingly empty, and the landlord is pressing me for his odious ac- count.’ ‘fAre you ready to litsen to me?”’ ‘‘Raith, I’m all ears.’’ Captain Trafton at once entered into a guarded rev- elation of the cause leading to his embarrassment, and then proceeded more minutely to outline the means he proposed to take in order to relieve himself of the unenviable contingency that overshadowed him. — ‘“By the piper, 1t’s no small complication ye are mixed up in this time; but there’s nothing like tak- ing the bull by the horns, d’ye mind. A private asy- lum is the very thing to my mind to suit the case. The lady will be well cared for as long as ye pay the footing. As one of her majesty’s late regimental sur- - geons, faith I think I can easily certify that the lady’s out of her mind. Of course, it’ll be necessary for me to see her, in order that me conscience may rest easy in the matter, and the certificate be signed all right Gomicbooks.co