your
dose."

"Yes," laughed the major; "and after all it is the doctor who really
commands these expeditions."

"Ah, well," said the little gentleman, "I'll do the best I can for all
of you. But don't be rash, my dear boys. You must avoid night dews,
and too much fruit, and over-exertion."

"There, there, doctor," said the major, laughing; "you needn't trouble
yourself about the last. I'll undertake to say that none of my fellows
will over-exert themselves."

"Unless, sir, they are called upon to fight," said a rather important
voice.

"Oh, I beg your pardon, I'm sure, Mr Long," said the major seriously.
"Of course we shall not study trouble then."

The officers smiled, and looked from one to the other, greatly to Mr
Tom Long's annoyance. In fact he felt so much aggrieved at the way in
which his remark had been received, that he proceeded to light a very
large cigar before rising to seek another part of the deck.

"If you smoke that big strong cigar you'll be ill, Mr Long," said the
doctor quietly.

"I'd cut it in half, Long," said Captain Smithers, "and give the other
half to young Roberts."

"I know what I can smoke, sir," replied the youth haughtily. "Perhaps
you will take one."

"I! No, thanks. They are too strong for me." And with what was meant
for a very haughty, injured look, Ensign Long strode slowly away.

"Thank you, doctor," said Major Sandars. "It's just as well to snub
that young gentleman sometimes. He's a fine young fellow, and will make
a splendid officer; but really there are times when I get wondering
whether we have changed places, and he is in command."

"Oh, all boys go through that stage," said the resident quietly. "He
has just arrived at the hair-brushing, make-yourself-look-nice age, and
feels at least eight-and-twenty."

"When he is only eighteen," said Captain Smithers.

"He is only seventeen, I believe," said the major, "and the youngest
ensign in the service. By the way, Linton, I believe Long has formed a
desperate attachment for your daughter."

"Yes, I had noticed it," said the resident drily; "and as Ensign Long is
seventeen, and my daughter twenty-three, it will be a most suitable
match. But he has a rival, I see."

Captain Smithers started slightly as the major exclaimed,--

"Who may that be?"

"Our dashing young friend, Mr Bob Roberts."

There was a bit of a scuffle here as the whole party burst into a roar
of laughter.

"Oh, I beg your pardo