he Light Brigade charged, and brought
him safely out. That's what he did, and mind what I say, to-morrow or
next day will see him an officer. Then I chucks the stripe and takes on
as his servant."

The honest fellow's face shone with pleasure, while his comrades looked
on in astonishment. Phil reached over and grasped his gallant old
friend by the hand.

"Tony," he said with a gulp, "you're talking bosh. Of course I sha'n't
be an officer; besides, you helped to bring that wounded man out as
well. But if ever I do get a commission I'd have you as my servant and
true friend sooner than anyone."

The men cheered eagerly.

"Hallo!" said one of them, recovering from his momentary excitement,
"what's this here about bringing a pal out? Yer talk about the Light
Brigade. Spin us the yarn, mates, and don't forget to tell us how you
was taken, and how you gave them Russians the slip."

Late that night, when all turned in, Phil and his friend were the heroes
of the camp, and Tony, whose admiration for his friend had increased, if
possible, during the past few trying days, blurted out to the man lying
by his side that Phil would make as fine an officer as ever wore queen's
uniform, and that if anyone dared to gainsay this he would smash him to
pieces. A loud snore was his only answer; but, relieved to some extent
by this outburst, the noble-hearted fellow fell peacefully asleep.

When the orders for the army were published two days later, there was
one portion which particularly attracted the attention of the Brigade of
Guards.

_Corporal Western_, the paragraph ran, _is promoted to sergeant for
gallantry at the Alma in helping to save a colour_.

Then it continued:

_Sergeant Western, who was captured at the Alma, escaped from the
enemy, and, taking part with his comrade in the memorable charge of
the Light Brigade, rescued and brought out a wounded trooper. For
this act of bravery he has been appointed an ensign in the 30th Foot_.

The paragraph ended:

_Lieutenant Western's comrade, who was promoted to corporal, resigns
that rank_.

In a state of huge excitement Tony managed to secure a copy of the
order, and rushing up to Phil, presented it with an elaborate salute and
a face which worked with emotion.

"Congratulations, sir," he said hoarsely. "You're ensign in the 30th
Foot."

Phil hastily glanced at the order, and for the moment felt dizzy, for
here, long before he could have expe