continued, but whether he referred to the
disembowelled horse or the state of his own uniform, Barry could not
say.

"You are sure you are all right?" said Barry, as he shook hands with
him. "I'm awfully glad you weren't hurt."

"So am I," said the boy heartily. "Awfully rotten to be potted out here
playing a bally policeman, eh? What? Well, good luck, sir," and Barry
rode off to join his column with a deep admiration in his heart for the
English school boy who, when war began, was probably a fifth form lad,
in whose life the most dangerous episode would be a ball taken full off
bat at point, or a low tackle on the Rugby field.

At Divisional Headquarters, they met the general, who after a
conversation with the O. C. greeted Barry warmly.

"So you have gone and done it, young man. Well, I admire your nerve, and
I congratulate you. I happen to know the family very well. As a matter
of fact there is some remote connection, I believe. By the way, I have a
communication from London for you," he added, drawing Barry to one side,
and giving him a little slip. "I happen to know about it," he continued,
while Barry was reading his telegram, "and say, if I can be of any
assistance, I shall be very glad. It's a step up, you see. I have no
doubt it can be put through quite easily and quickly, and I believe the
step is coming to you."

Barry stood with his eyes upon the dispatch. It was an offer of a
hospital appointment at the base, and carried with it his majority.

"I have no doubt the missus will be pleased, eh?" said the general with
a grin.

Barry pulled out a letter from his pocket, opened it and handed it to
the general, pointing to a paragraph. The general took it and read,

"And Barry, dear, remember that though you have a wife now, your duty to
your country is still your first duty. I would hate that any thought of
me should make it harder for you to carry on."

The general folded up the letter, put it slowly into its envelope, and
handed it back to Barry.

"I know her," he said simply. "I should expect nothing else from her.
You are a lucky dog, but, of course," he added, with a swift glance at
Barry's face, "some one must take that job."

"I fancy, sir, there are many for it, who are hardly fit for this work
up here," replied Barry quietly. "I think, sir, I'll just carry on where
I am."

"You are quite sure?" inquired the general. "Don't you want a day or two
to think it over?"

"I am quite sure, sir,"