"
Captain Headley looked at the speaker sternly, but took
no other notice of what he, evidently, deemed a very
great liberty, than to demand how he presumed to disobey
the order of the surgeon. Then desiring him to proceed
forthwith to the hospital and have his leg dressed, he
himself withdrew after postponing the parade to one
o'clock.
"And are you sure, Nixon, that Mr. Heywood has been
carried off by the Indians," asked Lieutenant Elmsley,
the revulsion of whose feelings on hearing the corporal's
answer to the question put by Captain Headley had been
in striking contrast with what he had experienced only
a moment before; "are you quite sure of this?"
The interrogatory was put, immediately after the commanding
officer had retired, doubtingly, in a low tone, and apart
from the rest of the men.
"I saw them carry him off myself, sir," again deliberately
said the corporal. "The whole of the party saw it too."
"Enough, enough," pursued the lieutenant, in a friendly
tone. "I believe you, Nixon. But another question. Were
you joined last night by any one of the regiment? recollect
yourself.
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