wn
cold water in his face, for the colonel said quietly:

"What a grand night, Dickenson! I wonder what our friends are doing at
home, and whether they are thinking about us."

Dickenson stared at him, but it was too dark for him to distinguish the
play of his officer's countenance.

"No light," said the colonel as he turned into his quarters. "Have you
a match?"

"Yes, sir," said the young officer rather gruffly, and the little silver
box he took from his pocket tinkled softly as he searched for a match
and struck it, the flash showing the colonel turning up the lamp wick.

"That's right," he said; "light it."

A minute later the mean-looking hut, with its camp table, lamp, and
stools, was lit up, and the colonel seated himself.

"I've very few words to say, Dickenson," he said kindly, "but those are
about your conduct to-night. You are young, hot-headed, and unwise."

"Can't help it, sir. My nature," said the young man shortly.

"I suppose so. But of course you are aware that you have been guilty of
a great breach of etiquette, and that your conduct cannot be passed over
very lightly."

"I suppose not, sir. I'm ready to take my punishment."

"Yes," said the colonel; and then, after a pause, "You seem to attach
yourself more than ever to Mr Lennox since this affair."

"Yes, sir; we are very old friends. I should not be his friend if I did
not stick to him now he is under a cloud."

"Rather unwise, is it not? You see, you cut yourself apart from your
brother officers, who are bound to stand aloof till Mr Lennox has
cleared himself."

"I'm sorry not to be friendly with them, sir," said Dickenson sturdily;
"and if there is any cutting apart, it is their doing, not mine. I am
ready to do my duty in every way, sir; but I must stand by my friend."

"Then you have perfect faith in his innocence?"

"Perfect, sir; and so would you have if you knew him as well as I do."

"I do know him pretty well, Dickenson," said the colonel quietly.
"Well, I suppose you know that I ought to be very severe with you?"

"Yes, sir, of course."

"And that I was bound to summon you to come to my quarters?"

"Or put me under arrest, sir."

"I cannot spare any of my officers to-night, Dickenson, so I suppose it
must be deferred till after the attack."

"Thank you, sir. I don't want to be out of the fight."

"I suppose not. By the way, have you seen much of Roby since he has
been about again?"

"Oh yes; a great