I have had no opportunity so far."

"Fishing, then?"

"Oh yes. I have had a little trout and bottom fishing."

"Ah! we can give you some mahseer fishing here. Trying after big ones
that can pull you in."

"Thank you. I shall be very glad."

"But you will not have much time yet. Nice grind you've got before you
to master your drill."

"Yes, I suppose so," I replied.

"Don't drink, don't smoke, and I suppose you can't ride?"

"Yes, I can ride," I said quickly.

"I suppose so--in a riding-school. Wait till you are going at full
gallop over the plain, with six or eight guns bumping and jumping after
you; you'll find out then whether you can ride. Well, how do you like
Brace?"

The question startled me.

"I--I hardly know yet," I said.

"With him long enough, anyhow!"

"I thought him very gentlemanly and kind."

"Bah! You don't want a man to be gentlemanly and kind. You have got to
learn to be a soldier--an artilleryman, not a molly. But, there, don't
you be uneasy about that. I'll see that you are not spoiled. Got your
servants yet?"

"No; there is nothing settled. I have only just come."

"No horses, I suppose?"

"No. Captain Brace said he would help me to get a couple."

"Hum! Deal he knows about horses. Better let me buy them for you. I
know just the thing for you: plenty of speed, showy, and grand action--
sort of a charger that wouldn't do for me. Not up to my weight, but it
would carry you splendidly. Brace always was the worst mounted man in
the brigade. Better try a cigar."

I declined again, and sat chatting to my brother-officer till I thought
I had been with him long enough, when I rose to go.

"What! off already?" he said. "Oh, well, if you can't stay. But you
haven't swallowed your drink."

I declined that too, feeling that he must be looking down upon me with
the most utter contempt; but he said nothing till I had shaken hands.

"Then I shall look out for a charger for you?"

"Please no; not till I have spoken to Captain Brace."

"What for? Oh, he'll be glad to be saved the trouble. That will be all
right. You stick to me, and I'll see you through."

I left my brother-officer's quarters soon afterwards, feeling very glad
to get away, and certainly under the impression that he thought me very
stupid and boyish.

"I suppose I've been keeping him in," I thought, for outside I found the
syces still waiting with the horses I had noticed on entering, and
th