My host, in spite of his annoyance, did not forget the duties of
hospitality, and warmly pressed our unwelcome visitor to take some
refreshment. The young officer, however, declined, on the plea that the
day was already far spent, and that he had no time to spare. On going
round to the front of the house, I found two led horses under the charge
of a soldier. They were absurdly small for cavalry, and would have been
quickly ridden over by any one of our heavy regiments.