so upset
him that he awoke, to find himself drenched with perspiration, but
decidedly better for all that, while through the open door he could see
Jim, pipe in mouth and in his shirt sleeves, squatting over the fire and
preparing breakfast.

Another month passed, making the third that Phil had spent in his new
employment, and ending also his seventeenth year. Short as the time had
been it had done much for him. He had filled out a little, and though
his face was still that of a boy, his limbs and body were big, so that,
if he could only pass inspection, he was quite fitted to take his place
in the ranks as a full-grown man. By this time he had completed a long
journey into the country, and having returned to London with Jim and the
old soldier, he was not long in looking up his friend, Sergeant-major
Williams.

"Back again, sir, and filled out and healthier-looking, too! How do you
like the life?" the latter exclaimed.

"I never spent a better or more profitable three months, never in my
life," said Phil emphatically. "We've had grand weather, and always
fresh scenery. The work was not too hard, and my comrades were all that
I could wish for. In addition, I have saved close upon five pounds,
which was simply impossible when I was living here."

"Ah, glad you like it, lad! But I thought you would; and now I suppose
you'll be off again soon?"

"Yes, but not with the van and my old comrades," said Phil. "The best I
can do there is to become a foreman in charge of a number of cages. I
mean to enlist and try my fortune in the army."

"Bless the lad!" exclaimed the sergeant-major. "He's as long-headed as
a lawyer, and always thinking of the future. But you couldn't do better
than that. Keep it always in your mind's eye and you'll get on. Now,
what regiment will you go for? I'm from the Guards, and of course I say
there's none to beat them. It's the truth too, as others can tell you."

"I've been thinking it over," Phil answered, "and I have decided to
become a Grenadier--one of the old Grenadiers."

The sergeant-major's features flushed, and he looked not a little
flattered, for he too was one of the Grenadier Guards, and he knew it
was because of his connection with it that Phil had decided to enlist in
that regiment.

"You couldn't do better, sir," he exclaimed, "and what's more, by
joining them I'll be able to make your start easier. I am not so old
but that some of the non-commissioned officer