m what you tell
me of your conversation with Colonel Shepherd, I have no doubt that
he formed the same impression that I do, from your manner and
appearance--that you are of a respectable, if not of good
family--and I trust that you will some day discover a clue to your
parents. It seems to me that, had the authorities of the place
where you were left properly bestirred themselves, they ought to
have been able to find out who you are.

"However, that is not to the point, now. It is sufficient for me
that, from your manner and address, you would not be out of place
in any position. I shall, of course, report the fact of your having
fought by Major Cavagnari's side, in the attack upon him here; and
shall strongly recommend that a commission be granted you. I am
sure that, from your conduct hitherto, you will never do discredit
to any position in which you may find yourself.

"Say nothing to your fellow sergeants of what I have told you. It
is possible--although not probable--that my recommendation may not
be acted upon and, at any rate, some months must elapse before an
answer can be received."

William Gale returned to his quarters in a state of extreme
delight. The communication which General Roberts had made to him
was altogether beyond his hopes. He had, indeed, from the very day
that he enlisted, often hoped that, some time or other, he might
win for himself a commission; and take his place in the rank to
which he had, from his childhood, believed that he was, by birth,
entitled. The words and manner of his colonel had encouraged this
hope, but he had never dreamed that his promotion might be attained
so soon. It was but a year since he had enlisted, and five was the
very earliest at which he had even dreamed that a commission might
possibly be gained.

The next day he had been sent from the orderly room with a note to
the colonel of the 67th, which was the regiment now in quarters in
the Bala-Hissar; the rest of the force being encamped in the plain,
below. As he was walking across the open, he was suddenly hurled to
the ground with tremendous violence and, at the same moment, a roar
as loud as that of thunder sounded in his ears. Bewildered and half
stunned, he rose to his feet; while showers of stones, beams, and
other debris fell around him.

Illustration: One of the Gunpowder Magazines had Exploded.

One of the gunpowder magazines had exploded. It had been known that
very large quantities of powder were