CHAPTER XI.
THE MAJOR LEAVES US.
Two minutes later the Vicar, staggering up to the hospital door with Gunner Sobey on his back, came to a terrified halt as his ears caught the _tramp, tramp_ of a body of men approaching from the direction of Passage Slip, which is the landing-place of the Little Ferry.

He had scarce time to lower his burden upon the doorstep before the head of the company swung into view around the street corner.

With a gasp he recognised them.
They were the Troy Gallants, and Major Hymen marched beside them.
But they came with no banners waving, without tuck of drum--a sadly depleted corps, and by their countenances a sadly dejected one.
For the moment, however, in the revulsion of his feelings, the Vicar failed to observe this.

He ran forward with both arms extended to greet the Major.
"My friend!" he cried tremulously.

"You are alive!" "Certainly," the Major answered.