squeal of the pipes faded and merged into
a sound heralding the approach of another. The gorgeous uniforms were
absent; but even the shabby khaki, stained with the soil of long marches
and hard fights, could not obliterate that perfect harmony of movement
which marks the first-class regiment.

I stood to watch them go by. The last company approached; the piper, his
head thrown back, so deeply drunk of sound that his soul seemed to float
on the steady hum of the chanter, set the rhythm to ranks of men
stepping out to the inspiring discord. I turned my horse's head; before
me the road stretched long and lonely; behind was the bustle and stir of
the camp. A file of officers marching behind the column hailed me with
envious congratulation when they heard where I was going. But they did
not know that, just for one moment, I would have given the world to turn
and follow the piper.

PLYMOUTH
WILLIAM BRENDON AND SON
PRINTERS

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