s a splendid proverb. It can't mean a wigging this time. But if
that pompous old pump, that buckled-up basha, lets the Major know that
he caught poor old Pegg in my room to-day, I'm sure to get a lecture
about making too free with the men instead of going about amongst them
perched up upon metaphorical stilts. Well, whatever he wants to see me
about, it can't be for a wigging, or else he wouldn't have summoned me
just close upon soup-and-'tater call."

The smart-looking young subaltern drew himself up, looking his military
best, as he made for the Major's quarters, before which, in light
undress uniform, a private was marching up and down, crossing the
doorway and the windows of the mess-room, through which the lamps of the
dinner-table shone, as they were being lit by the servants. The
regimental glass and plate were beginning to glitter on the table, while
a soft, warm breeze was rustling the tropical leaves and beginning to
cool the atmosphere, as it swept from the surrounding jungle through the
widely opened casements.

"Yes! Come in!" came in a loud, bluff, rather rich voice; and the next
minute Archie was face to face with the fine-looking, white-haired,
florid Major in command of the infantry detachment stationed at Campong
Dang in support of Her Majesty's Resident, Sir Charles Dallas, whose
duty it was to instruct the Malay Rajah of Pahpah how to rule his
turbulent bearers of spear and kris and wearers of sarong and baju, in
accordance with modern civilisation, and without putting a period to
their lives for every offence by means of the sudden insertion of an
ugly-looking, wavy weapon before throwing them to the ugliest reptiles
that ever haunted a muddy stream.

"Ah! Hum! Yes."

There was a pause in the strange salute, and, "'Tis a row, then," said
Archie to himself. "You received my despatch, Mr Maine?"

"Yes, sir."

"And of course, sir, you are perfectly aware of my reasons for summoning
you?"

"No, sir," replied Archie.

"What! Now, that's what I intensely dislike, Mr Maine. If there is
anything that annoys, irritates, or makes me dissatisfied with the men--
the gentlemen under my command, it is evasion, shuffling, shirking, or
prevarication."

At the beginning of this speech the young officer felt nervous and
troubled with a feeling of anxiety, but his commanding officer's tone
and words sent the blood flushing up into his face, and he replied
warmly:

"I beg your pardon, sir, but I