CHAPTER XV.
The next morning he strode in while I was at breakfast, handsome, erect, deep-chested, the incarnation of physical strength, with a glad light in his eyes.
"Congratulate me, old man," he cried, gripping my frail shoulder.

"I've three days' extra leave.

And more than that, I go out in command of the regiment.

No temporary business but permanent rank.

Gazetted in due course.