of the colonel
sending the doctor over to us; but I think Doran understands his
business well, and has made a capital job of both of us."

"How is Rawlinson going on?"

"Oh, I think he will do very well," the surgeon said. "Of course he's
a little down in the mouth about himself. It is not a pleasant
prospect for a man to have to go about on two wooden legs all his
life. Still it's been done in the service; and as the fight was a
sharp one, and such an important capture was made, he will get his
full pension, and I shall strongly recommend him for Chelsea Hospital
if he likes to take it. But he tells me he was by trade a carpenter
before he enlisted, and I expect he would rather go down to live among
his own people. His wooden legs won't prevent him earning a living at
his trade; and as he is rather a good-looking fellow I dare say he
won't have much difficulty in getting a wife. Maimed heroes are
irresistible to the female mind."

"That's a comfort for you, Desmond, anyhow," O'Connor laughed. "That
black patch on your forehead ought to add a thousand a year to your
marketable value."

The next morning Ralph marched with his detachment, and arrived at
Cork without adventure. Here he handed his prisoners over to the civil
authorities of the jail, and then marched up to the barracks. He at
once reported himself to the colonel, who congratulated him warmly
upon the success that had attended the capture, and upon his own
conduct in the affair.

"I will not keep you now," the colonel said, "for the mess-bugle
sounded five minutes ago. I shall see you again in the morning."

As Ralph entered the messroom the officers had just taken their seats.
He was greeted with a boisterous outburst of welcome. His comrades got
up and shook his hand warmly, and he had to answer many inquiries as
to how O'Connor and Desmond were going on.

"Sit down, gentlemen!" the major who was president of the mess
shouted. "Conway has had a twenty-mile march, and is, I have no doubt,
as hungry as a hunter. Let him eat his dinner in peace, and then when
the wine is on the table he shall relate his adventures in detail. By
the way, Conway, I hope you have lodged that ruffian safely in jail?"

"Yes, sir, I have handed him over, and glad I was to get him off my
hands; for though I had him handcuffed and his feet tied, and brought
him along in a cart, I never felt comfortable all the way. The fellow
is as strong as a bull, and as he knows what is b