"
"A profound maxim," laughed Stuart; "friends are useful--that was your
principle?"
"Yes, general; and I made one of the quartermaster of the post--a
certain major Woodby--who was exceedingly fond of the 'root of all
evil.' I made that gentleman's acquaintance, applied for the place of
sutler in _the pen_; and this place I acquired by agreeing to pay a
heavy bonus in thirty days.
"This was Saturday night. On Monday morning I presented myself before
the gate, and demanded admittance as the newly appointed sutler of the
pen.
"I was admitted, and taken before the officer of the day, in his
quarters.
"'Who are you?' he asked, gruffly.
"'The new sutler, lieutenant.'
"'Where are your papers?'
"I had them ready, and presented them to him. He read them carefully,
looked at me superciliously, and said:--
"'That is wholly informal.'
"I looked at him. He had a red nose.
"'I have some excellent French brandy, captain,' I said, promoting him.
"At sight of the portly flask which I drew half from my pocket and
exhibited to him, I saw his face relax.
"'You are a keen fellow, and know the world, I perceive,' he said.
"And taking the flask, he poured out nearly a glass full of the brandy,
and drank it.
"'Do you intend to keep that article of brandy?' he said.
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