nt fellows, though perhaps hardly in your and my line. I
had been told the officers of our regiment were a rackety lot, but I
don't see much sign of that yet. It's awfully dull here, and I would
give a lot to be up in your rooms at George's, sprawling in your easy-
chair and talking over Randlebury days. I suppose you will soon be in
for your final. Good luck be with you, my boy! Remember me in your
will if you get made a Fellow. I suppose the man I met in your rooms
once--Read I believe his name was--will be first. Talking of that day,
have you heard lately of Tom Drift? I shall always be glad I went up to
town that night and found him out, though I lost him again so soon. I
inquired everywhere when I was last in town, but nothing was known of
him, except that he was supposed to have been engaged in some--' But
that's all about an old schoolfellow and won't interest you. `We expect
to be ordered up-country pretty soon now, and meanwhile have liberty to
amuse ourselves pretty much as we like, but, as far as I can see, cards
unfortunately seem the only recreation in which the officers indulge.
However, I shall be kept busy with drill, and being junior officer
expect I shall be for some time fag of the regiment. Mind you write as
soon as ever you get this, and a regular yarn. I have had to write this
in a hurry, and in a room where a noise is going on. By next mail you
shall get a full, true, and particular account of all the doings,
sayings, and adventures of yours as ever, C.N.'

"I'm afraid," said Jim, as he folded up the letter, "it will be rather
dull out there, for--hullo!"

This ejaculation was caused by seeing that George was sitting motionless
with his elbows on the table and his face buried in his hands.

"What's the matter?" he said, getting up and laying his hand on his
friend's arm.

George looked up suddenly with a scared face, which frightened Jim.

"Old man, aren't you well?" said the latter anxiously.

"Eh?--oh, yes! I'm all right. Why--why do you ask? But I say, Jim,
this room is close. Let's go out and take a turn in the big court."

Jim, in sore perplexity, complied, and for an hour those two paced the
flags round the great quadrangle. George was himself again, much to
Jim's relief, and suffered himself to be sent uncomplainingly to bed at
ten. To bed, but not to sleep. All night long I heard him toss to and
fro, vainly endeavouring to recall Greek and Latin lines or some othe