Some evening, perhaps, when there is no danger, and I am sipping my coffee over a quiet pipe, I shall be happy to listen to you." "Thank you, sir," said Denham.
"Is that meant to be sarcastic, my dear boy ?" said the Colonel, laughing.
"Oh no, sir," said Denham in an ill-used tone.
"I say `Oh yes.' But I didn't mean to snub one of my smartest officers .-- Well, Moray, this is another reason for giving you your stripes.

Work away, my lad, and master all your drill.

I would promote you directly; but it would seem too much like favouritism in the eyes of your seniors.

You may rest assured that I am not forgetting you." "I am quite satisfied, sir," I said warmly.

"Every one treats me more as a friend than as the latest recruit." "I'm glad of it, and that Mr Denham here seems to look upon you as a companion--a brother-in-arms, I ought to say." "Yet I've a lot of trouble with him, sir," said Denham mockingly.