We are exactly the same age, and we were chums at West Point.

We were together in the Indian wars, and together in all the battles from Vera Cruz to the City of Mexico.

It's John Carrington, and he's from New York! He's perfectly wonderful with the guns! Lord, lad, look how he lives up to his reputation! Not a shot misses! He must have been training those gunners for months! Thunder, but that was magnificent!" A huge shell struck squarely in the center of the earthwork, burst with a terrible crash, and sent steel splinters and fragments flying in every direction.

A rain of dirt followed the rain of steel, and, when the colonel wiped the last mote from his eye, he said triumphantly and joyously: "It's Carrington! Not a shadow of doubt can be left! Only such gunners as those he trains can plump shells squarely among us at that range! Oh, I tell you, Harry, he's a marvel.

Has the wonderful mathematical and engineering eye!" The eyes of Colonel Leonidas Talbot beamed with admiration of his old comrade, mingled with a strong affection.