here ever such a pig-headed fellow? Come, Hyde, be persuaded."
The colonel got up from his seat and walked round to where the
sergeant stood, still erect and motionless. "Come, Rupert, old
comrade, old friend," and he put his hand affectionately on the
sergeant's shoulder.

The muscles of the sergeant's face worked visibly.

"It's no use, Blythe; I am dead to the world. I have no desire to
rise."

"But it's so aggravating; it puts me in such a hole," said the
colonel, striding up and down the office. "You're just the man we
want--superior in every way. You would hold your own so well with the
other non-commissioned officers. I do wish--Where am I to find
another?"

"I can tell you, if you will listen to my advice."

"Yes? Speak out."

"Young McKay; he would make an excellent sergeant-major."

"I know him--a smart, sensible, intelligent young fellow. But has he
ballast--education?"

"He is better born than you or me, colonel. A lad of excellent parts
and first-rate education. Bring him on, and he will do you and the
regiment credit yet."

The colonel sat down again at his desk, and seemed lost in thought.

"I must ask Smallfield. Call in the adjutant, will you?" he added, in
a voice that implied their conventional relations as superior officer
and sergeant were resumed.

Half an hour later McKay was standing in Hyde's place, receiving the
same offer, but accepting, although diffidently.

"I am not fit for the post, sir," he protested.

"That's my affair. I have selected you for reasons of my own, and the
responsibility is mine."

"I will try my best, sir; that is all I can say."

"It's quite enough. Do your best, and you will satisfy me."

"I can't think why he chose me," confided Stanislas to his friend
Hyde, later on, in the sergeants' mess.

"Can't you?" replied his friend, drily. "It's a case of hidden merit
receiving its right reward."

"I have never thought that the colonel noticed me, or distinguished me
from any of the other sergeants," said Stanislas.

"Probably your good qualities were pointed out to him," replied Hyde,
still in the same tone. "Or your fine friends and relations have used
their influence."

"It is little likely; and, as I tell you, I don't understand it in the
least."

"Leave it so. No doubt you will find out some day. In the meantime do
justice to your recommendation, whoever gave it. You have got your
foot on the ladder now, but no one can help you to climb; that