received from Kathleen. She
prayed that the war would soon be over. She said that her father had
just had some money left him, and would, if he was willing, as soon as
he returned home, purchase his discharge.

"It's a kind, noble offer," said Marshall; "I will accept it and
return,--work for him as long as I live."

I praised his intention, said that I wished I had the same chance, and
wished him a long life and happiness with his pretty Kathleen. Soon
after this my old comrade was made a corporal, and I received an honour
I little expected. A general parade was ordered for the whole regiment,
when a square being formed, in the centre of which the colonel with
other officers were posted, several men were called up, I being one of
them. He then presented us with a distinguished conduct medal, on which
were the words, "For distinguished conduct in the field." On giving me
mine, he congratulated me and wished me long life to wear the
decoration. He hoped, he said, that many other young men in the
regiment would follow my example, and he could assure them that if they
did, the same rewards were in store for them. The captains of companies
were then ordered to march their respective companies to their private
parades, when my captain wished me long life and happiness, and my
comrades were so pleased that they lifted me up, and carried me to my
hut, and the medal went the rounds of the whole company.

"Well done, Jack; I'm glad you've got that. You've earned it, that you
have, my boy," was the sort of remark made to me by my comrades, one
after the other. Marshall also was commended for his bravery and
coolness.

"Ah Jack, I'll do something to try and gain that, to carry home to her;"
he said to me as he gave the medal back into my hands.

That dreadful winter passed away at last. I do not think that British
troops ever went through greater trials than did the British army in the
Crimea, and never did men submit more patiently, or more nobly do their
duty. There is one thing to be said, our officers set us the example.
They suffered as much as we did, and never complained. We could not
help ourselves; but many of them we knew well were gentlemen of good
property, who could have enjoyed life at home, in ease and comfort; and
instead of that they stayed out with us at the call of duty, went
through the hardships and risked their lives as we did, who had nothing
to lose and everything to gain. One young baro