Our Assurance Fund has a surplus this year, which,
in my opinion, would be well expended in entertaining our
brothers-in-arms. But do not make the hour too late, or I shall
have trouble with the Doctor. What do you say to 3.30 p.m., any
day after this week?--Yours truly,
Aen. Pond.
"To the Worshipful the Mayor of Troy (Major S. Hymen),
Commanding the Troy Volunteer Artillery."
The Major replied:
"Dear Pond,--In speaking of the enemy, I referred to the Corsican
and his minions rather than to the whooping-cough or any similar
epidemic. It struck me that the former (being flat-bottomed)
might with great ease effect a landing in Talland Cove and fall
on your flank in the small hours of the morning, creating a
situation with which, single-handed, you might find it difficult
to cope. My suggestion then would be that, as a test, we
arranged a night together for a surprise attack, our corps here
acting as a friendly foe.
"With so gallant an enemy I feel a diffidence in discussing the
bare contingency of our success. But it may reassure the
non-combatant portion of your population in East and West Looe
if I add that 72 _per centum_ of my corps are married men, and
that I accept no recruit without careful inquiry into character.
"By direct assault I know you to be impregnable.
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