" Faith, and I'm glad enough to be out in the open
again, Misther Ralph," Tim said, as they left Besangon
behind. " After living out in the woods for six weeks,
there does not seem room to breathe in a crowded town,"



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Off for a Holiday. 195

" It's jolly to be out again, Tim ; but I don't know
that I mind a town again for a few days."

" Ah, it's all very well for the likes of yees, Misther
Ralph, with your officer's uniform, and your arm in a
sling, and the girls all looking at you as a hero, but for
me it's different intirely. Out in the open I feel that,
except when there's any thing to do for your honours, I
am my own master, and can plase myself Here in the
town I am a common hussar, and my arm is just weaiy
with saluting to all the fellows with a sword by their side
that I meet in the street. Then there's no chance of
any fighting as long as we're shut up in the walls of a
town, and what's the use of being decked up in uniform
except to fight ? Is there any chance of just the least
scrimmage in the world while we are back again with the
boys ? " he asked, persuasively.
The boys laughed. " Not much, Tim ; but we shall
be pretty close to the enemy, and something may turn
up at any moment. But siu-ely you've had enough in the
last six weeks ?"

" Pretty well. Mister Percy — pretty well \ btit, you see,
the last affair didn't count"

" Oh, didn't it count !" Ralph said, looking at his arm.
