ed the Tower of London, near the Thames, where I had been advised
to go. The Guards were doing duty there. A sergeant I met asked me if
I wished to join them. I said, "Yes." So he at once placed me under a
mark to measure my height, but I was not tall enough for the Guards. He
then asked me if I would like to join any other regiment. I answered,
"Yes; I've no choice." He seemed pleased, and at once marched me off to
Westminster, at the other end of London, where a recruiting company was
stationed. He there took me to a sergeant of the 44th regiment of foot.
After I had wished my old friend good-bye, my new friend asked me
should I pass the doctor's examination if I wished to join them. Of
course I said "Yes." And after he had asked me whether I was "married"
or "a widower," to which I said "No;" with other questions, he put out
his hand, and offered me a shilling, in the name of Her Majesty the
Queen. I took it, and was from that moment a soldier, provided I passed
the usual examination. I felt very tired, and somewhat out of spirits
with so many strangers in different uniforms around me, and was very
glad when the sergeant told me that he had paid for a bed for me, and
that I might go to it whenever I liked. I was very thankful to put my
head on the pillow. Thus ended my first day in the army. I had time
next morning to think over some good advice given me by an old sergeant
at the barracks.

"Remember, my lad," said he, "when you get your pay, don't scatter it
about as if it would never come to an end. There's nothing you so soon
see the last of. When you find one of your new comrades particularly
civil, find out what sort of a man he really is before you treat him or
lend him cash. If a non-commissioned officer is very polite and
slackens the reins of discipline to favour you, stand clear of him.
He'll pluck you clean and then eat you up. Keep out of temptation, and
show that you are going to be a sober, steady man, by consorting only
with those who are sober and steady. Never lose your temper, even when
wronged by a superior. Be smart in learning the drills and all your
other duties. It is better to be thought well of by your officers and
by a few good men, than by all the wild chaps in the regiment. And
remember, Jack, my boy, what an old soldier says, that while you do your
duty to your Queen and your country, you do not forget your duty to your
God. A man may be a good soldier and a good Ch