s was
promotion indeed--three steps in one day! From drum-boy to private; from
a battalion company to the Light Bobs; and from private to corporal. I
was not long before I paraded myself in the tailor's shop, and tipped
the master-snip a rupee to give me a good and neat cut, such as became a
full corporal. By evening parade my blushing honours came thick upon me.
The captain came upon parade, and read aloud the regimental orders of
the day, laying great stress upon, "to the rank of corporal, and to be
obeyed accordingly." I was on the right of the company, being the
tallest man on parade, when I was desired by the captain to fall out,
and give the time. I did so, and never did a fugleman cut more capers;
but here an awkward accident happened. In shouldering arms, I elevated
my left hand high in the air; extended my leg in an oblique direction,
with the point of my toe just touching the ground; but in throwing the
musket up in a fugle-like manner, the cock caught the bottom of my
jacket, and down came brown Bess flat upon my toes, to the great
amusement of the tittering company. I must confess, I felt queer; but I
soon recovered my piece and my gravity, and all went on smoothly, till I
got into the barracks, where a quick hedge-firing commenced from all
quarters; such as, "Shoulder _hems_!"--"Shoulder _hems_!"--"Twig the
fugleman!" This file-firing increased to volleys, till I was obliged to
exert my authority by threatening them with the guard-house, for riotous
conduct; but this only increased the merriment, so I pocketed the
affront, as the easiest and most good-natured mode of escape; my
persecutors ceased, and thus ended my first parade as a non-commissioned
officer.

In my new sphere of life I now felt that there was, unquestionably, some
satisfaction derivable from being

"Clothed in a little brief authority."

A corporal has to take command of small guards; is privileged to visit
the sentinels whenever he pleases; his suggestions are frequently
attended to by his superiors; and his orders must be promptly obeyed by
those below him. There is certainly a pleasure in all this, and a man
rises proportionately in his own esteem. In short, to confess the truth
I now looked upon a drum-boy as little better than his drum.

Full of the importance of my situation and duties, thus passed the time
for nearly six months, at the end of which I was advanced to the rank of
sergeant, and, shortly afterwards, to that of pa