n a quarter of an hour for
inspection. It was fortunately nearly a new one, and looked clean. The
captain was pleased, and ordered me not to show it for a month. He then
inquired how long I had been a non-commissioned officer, and directed me
to attend at the orderly-room to copy orders and to take the detail of
the company for the next day. After writing it down, he told me to read
it to him.

"Yes; that will do," he said. "Are you anxious to obtain promotion?"

"Yes, sir," I answered, not a little pleased. "Very well; you have come
with a good character from your late regiment, maintain it, and you will
be sure of promotion in the 42nd. I understand that you can drill very
well. I shall see how you get on, and if in a satisfactory manner, I
will recommend you to the adjutant."

The next Monday I was ordered to drill a squad, while the adjutant stood
at a distance watching me. I did my best, and when drill was over he
sent for me, and asked if I would like to be struck off duty for the
purpose of drilling the second squad of recruits. Of course I said yes,
but begged to be allowed a few days first, to get used to the duties of
the regiment.

I had good reason to be satisfied with the change I had made. I had
only been a few days in the regiment, and was already looked upon with
consideration and respect. How was this? Had I greater advantages than
any other young man? No, except that I had a taste for soldiering. I
had simply kept steady and done my duty to the very best of my power. I
had not been idle with my books either. I had read a good deal, and
practised writing and ciphering, so that I wrote a really good hand, and
could keep accounts well. I mention this to show what is required of a
young man in the army, who wishes to work his way up to become a
non-commissioned officer. It is through the sergeants that the
discipline of a regiment is maintained, and they must possess the
education I have spoken of, and be intelligent, steady, honest men, or
things will go badly in that regiment.

For the best part of the next two months we were engaged every day in
rifle practice, and I had the satisfaction of making some good hits.
Now came the order we had been long eagerly looking for, to embark
forthwith for the Crimea. Loud cheers were given by the numerous
lookers on as, on the 26th of May, we went on board the transport, and
we cheered loudly in return. We little thought then of what we had