the Honourable the East India Company's profession been
so poor here at Brandscombe, that you have not learned that it is quite
a promotion to get into the Horse Brigade. That they are picked men
from the foot--men full of dash--who can afford to keep the best of
horses, and who are ready to ride at anything."

"My uncle would let me have any horses I want, sir," I said; "and I can
ride."

"Like a gentleman in the park," he said contemptuously.

"No, sir," I said warmly. "My father is a splendid horseman, and I've
hunted a great deal. Why, he used to put me on a pony when I was only
six, and whenever I was at home he made me hunt with him, and go
straight across country."

"Humph! Wonder he did not break your neck!"

"Oh no, sir," I replied; "but I have broken my arm, and had some falls."

"Ah, well; be content with your commission in the foot. Some day,
perhaps, you may get into the horse, especially if you ride well, and
have some interest to back you up. Well, I congratulate you, Vincent,
my lad, and I am well satisfied with your progress."

"Satisfied, sir?" I said, as I recalled the scolding of an hour
earlier.

"Oh yes, on the whole, my boy. You've got the makings of a good soldier
in you. Little too fond of fighting. Ought to be in your favour, eh?
But it isn't. A good officer never fights if he can help it; but when
he does, why, of course, he fights skilfully, and lets the enemy know
that he is in earnest. But seriously, Vincent, you have one great
failing."

"More than one, sir, I'm afraid," I said dolefully.

"Never mind the others; perhaps they'll cure themselves. But you must
keep a strict watch over that temper of yours, eh?"

"Yes, sir," I said penitently; "I have a horrible temper."

"A temper, Vincent, not a horrible temper. And I don't know that you
need regret it so long as you learn to subdue it. Tight-curb, that's
all. Make a better soldier of you. It means spirit and decision,
properly schooled. Oh, you'll do, boy. I should like to turn out
another hundred of you."

I stared at him in surprise, for I had been working under my military
tutor always troubled by the impression that I was the most troublesome
pupil he had, and that I was getting on worse than any fellow there.

"I mean it, boy," he said, smiling and taking another tiny pinch of
snuff. "Well, Vincent, my lad, I congratulate you. An hour ago you
were my student and pupil; this despatch tells me that