tor's emotion.

"Oh, by the way, Lennox, one word before you go. About this man May.
Have you ever given him any cause to dislike you?"

"No, sir, I think not. I must own to always having felt a dislike to
him."

"Indeed," said the colonel sharply. "Why?"

"I would rather you did not ask me, sir."

"Speak out, man!" said the colonel sternly.

"Well, sir, I have never liked him since he obtained his promotion."

"Why?"

"I did not think he deserved it so well as some of the other men of his
standing."

"Humph! Let me see; he was promoted on Captain Roby's recommendation."

"Yes, sir; he was always a favourite with his captain."

"Have you been a bit tyrannical--overbearing?"

"I have only done my duty by him, sir. Certainly I have been rather
sharp with him when I have noticed a disposition on his part to hang
back."

"Perhaps he has never forgiven you for saving his life," said the
colonel, smiling.

"Oh, surely not, sir."

"I don't know," said the colonel. "But think a minute."

"I was certainly very sharp with him that time when we explored the
cavern, for that was one of the occasions when he hung back as if
scared. But no, no, sir; I will not suspect the man of accusing me as
he has through spite. He believes he saw me run, no doubt. But I did
not."

"There, Lennox, you've had a long interview, and I have my despatch to
write up. I have plenty to worry my head without your miserable
business. Now, no rashness, mind; but I shall expect to hear of you
leading your men in the very front."

"If they will follow me, sir, I shall be there," said Lennox quietly.
"If they will not, I shall go alone."

CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE.

COMPANY AT DINNER.

"Why didn't you tell me you were going to have it out with the chief?"
said Dickenson, encountering his comrade directly he had left the
colonel's quarters.

"Because you told me never to mention the wretched business again."

"Did I? Oh, that was when I was in a wax. Well, what does the old man
say?"

"That I am to go on as if nothing had happened."

"That's good. Well, what else?"

"Take my place in my company, and wait till we're relieved, and then be
ready for a court-martial."

"That's good too, for no one can prove you guilty. What else?"

"Keep well in the front, and get myself killed as soon as I can."

"If he said that, he's a brute!" cried Dickenson. "Gammon! I don't
believe the old man would say such a thing. But