't want to be cleanin' boots all his life when they ain't
shoes."

"No, Jerry; that would be rather a monotonous career. But what do you
want me to do?"

"Well, S'Richard, it's making very bold like; but I can't help liking
you, sir, and 'fore long you'll be passing and getting appointed to your
regiment; and as I've got a great taste for soljering myself, I thought
I'd ask you to take me with you."

"You--you want to be a soldier, Jerry?"

"Yes, sir. Why not?" said the man, drawing himself up, and brushing the
tuft of hair over the top of his forehead, so that it stood up fiercely,
and gave his whole head some resemblance to the conventional naming
shell of military ornamentation. "Of course, I couldn't think of a
military eddication and going to a coach, S'Richard, and passing; but
lots of chaps have risen from the ranks."

"Yes, I suppose so," said the young man, who looked more bored and
fidgety; "but I don't think I ought to promise to take you, Jerry. I
don't know that I shall pass and get my commission."

"Oh, yes, you will, sir."

"Of course, I should like to have you with me, Jerry, because you
understand me so well."

"I do, S'Richard; and I allus feel proud o' doin' for you. I often
watches you when you goes out, and I says to myself, `Look at him! I
cut him, and brushed him, and shaved him'--not as there's much to shave
yet, sir."

"No, Jerry," said the young man, passing his hand over his upper lip and
chin; "it's rather a work of supererogation at present."

"A what, sir?"

"Work of supererogation, Jerry."

"Exactly, S'Richard; that's just what it is. But don't you get out of
heart, sir. I was smooth as you once, and now if I goes two days you
might grate ginger with me!"

"Well, we will see," said the young man; "but if you want to--to--"

"Better myself, S'Richard; that's it!"

"Don't let another opportunity go."

"Oh, yes, I shall, S'Richard! You said you'd like to have me, and
that's enough for me! I'd wait for you, sir, if I had to stop till you
was a hundred! But, beg pardon, S'Richard, is that there to make a
patent mouse-trap?"

"Which?" said the young man angrily.

"That there thing as you're making, S'Richard."

"Pooh! what nonsense! Jerry, you are not musical."

"Well, sir, I ain't a moosician, as you may say, but I was a dab at the
Jew's-harp once, and I've got a very tidy flootina 'cordion now; only I
ain't no time to practise."

"No, Jerry," said the y