`` Ah , he was there , was he ? '' `` Yes , all through it , and is Major Basset , though he likes his plain name best . He fought splendidly and had several wounds , though only a mere boy when he earned his scars and bars . I 'm very proud of him for that , '' and Sophie looked so as she glanced at the photograph of a stripling in uniform set in the place of honor on the high mantel-piece . `` We must stir him up and hear these martial memories . I want some new incidents , and shall book all I can get , if I may . '' Here Randal was interrupted by Saul himself , who came in with an armful of wood for the fire . `` Anything more I can do for you , cousin ? '' he asked , surveying the scene with a rather wistful look . `` Only come and sit with us and talk over war times with Mr. Randal . '' `` When I 've foddered the cattle and done my chores I 'd be pleased to . What regiment were you in ? '' asked Saul , looking down from his lofty height upon the slender gentleman , who answered briefly , -- `` In none . I was abroad at the time . '' `` Sick ? '' `` No , busy with a novel . '' `` Took four years to write it ? '' `` I was obliged to travel and study before I could finish it . These things take more time to work up than outsiders would believe . '' `` Seems to me our war was a finer story than any you could find in Europe , and the best way to study it would be to fight it out .
If you XXXXX heroes and heroines you 'd have found plenty of 'em there . ''
Seems answered asked come earned get looked sit take want