CHAP. v. HIS LIBERATION. 85 



mad." "He must be drunk then?" "No, I don't 

 think he's drunk either." " He must be either mad 

 or drunk : did he ever behave so before ? " " No, not 

 to my knowledge." 



The officer and the ladies retired, and talked 

 together. After about five minutes had elapsed, the 

 officer returned and said to the corporal, " Are you 

 quite sure that the prisoner behaved himself properly 

 before his ridiculous chase after the butterfly ?" "I 

 know of nothing whatever against him, sir." " Call 

 him forward." Edward advanced towards the officer. 

 " Well, sir, what have you to say about breaking the 

 ranks during drill, and running after the butterfly ? 

 are you subject to fits of insanity ?" Edward did not 

 reply. " Can't you speak, sir?" cried the officer angrily. 

 "Yes, sir," replied Edward, " but you have asked ques- 

 tions that I cannot answer." " What induced you to 

 leave the ranks, and run after a harmless insect?" 

 " I really do not know, unless it was from a desire to 

 possess the butterfly." 



Looks were exchanged between the officer and 

 corporal, when the former, calling Edward aside, said 

 to him, " I dare say, young man, you are not aware 

 that the crime which you have committed against 

 military discipline is a very severe one. This 

 constant disobedience to orders must be put a stop 

 to. But as this is your first offence, and as these 

 ladies have interceded for you, I shall endeavour to 

 obtain your acquittal, in the hope that you will closely 



