Each man of us envies you from the bottom of his soul." "I do, I know--from the very bilge," exclaimed a stout midshipman, one of those who had seen Iris.
Robert waited until the laugh died away.
"There is an error about my rank," he said.

"I did once hold a commission in the Indian army, but I was court-marshaled and cashiered in Hong Kong six months ago.

I was unjustly convicted on a grave charge, and I hope some day to clear myself.

Meanwhile I am a mere civilian.

It was only Miss Deane's generous sympathy which led her to mention my former rank, Mr.Playdon." Had another of the _Orient's_ 12-pounder shells suddenly burst in the midst of the group of officers, it would have created less dismay than this unexpected avowal.