92 He is Apprehended. [CHAP. Vv. 
And away they marched—two militiamen before, two be- 
hind, and Edward and the corporal in the centre. By this 
time a number of persons had collected, the younger peo- 
ple calling out to their companions to come and see the 
mad militia-man. 
On crossing the links, the prisoner and his escort encount- 
ered one of the officers of the regiment, accompanied by a 
group of ladies. ‘“ Where are you going with that boy?” 
said the officer, addressing the corporal. “To the guard- 
house!” “ What! more insubordination?’ “Yes.” “This 
is most dreadful; what has he done?’ “He broke the 
ranks during drill, and although Sergeant Forbes called him 
back, he ran away after what he calls a butterfly.” There 
was a short silence, after which the ladies were observed 
tittering and laughing. “What did you say, corporal ?” 
“He ran out of the ranks after a butterfly.” “What! ran 
away from his exercise for the sake of an insect! Most 
extraordinary. Is he mad, corporal?’ ‘‘ Well, the sergeant 
thinks so; and that’s the reason why I have got four men 
to help me to take him; but I don’t think thatshe’s 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 pris- 
oner behaved himself properly before his ridiculous chase 
after the butterfly?” “I know of nothing whatever against 
hin, sir.” “Call him forward.” Edward advanced toward 
the officer. “ Well, sir, what have you to say about break- 
ing the ranks during drill, and running after the butter- 
fly? Are you subject to fits of insanity?’ Edward did 
not reply. “Can't you speak, sir?’ cried the officer, an- 
grily. “Yes, sir,” replied Edward; “but you have asked 
questions that I can not answer.” “ What induced you to 
leave the ranks, and run after a harmless insect?” “TI re- 
