ders which Colonel Austin had
left, and that he was proving himself a blessing where most boys would
have been an annoyance and burden.

So one day when he sauntered away from the cluster of tents, no one
asked him where he was bound, or how soon he would be back. He passed
along walking very straight as became a uniformed soldier, whistling a
march-tune, now and then interrupting himself to introduce a clear
flute-like note.

Something had happened to G. W. The day was oppressively hot, but his
languor and sadness had vanished. He felt strong and happy; everything
was beautiful, life was full of keen interest.

"I 'low somethin' is goin' ter occur!" he said to himself; "I has
feelin's like my mammy used ter have. Sure's I'se a-walkin' here, the
front is off dere 'yond de hill! Dat's whar de Colonel always went, an'
dat's why he fix de top like a stun wall fur me. I 'clar I'se goin' up
ter jes' look. What's I worth if I doan't take some chances ter find out
news 'bout my Colonel Austin? Lawd! it seems like forty-seben years
since he done walk away like a dream!"

Now, strange to say, before G. W. had started on this tramp, besides
donning his entire uniform, he had taken his gun, a small but perfect
one that some of the officers had given him as a reward for excellent
target-shooting; and also he had filled his canteen with water in true
soldier fashion.

Under the blazing sun his hot coat and trousers became almost
unendurable, and except for his new feeling of strength and joyousness,
his precious gun would have become a burden.

Suddenly he stood still, and his face became rapt and eager. He gazed up
to the tall trees under which he stood.

"I'se clean forgot 'bout dat 'chance' ob mine fur ages; but, Lawd! jes'
s'pose it should come to-day!" he gasped. The remembrance that his mammy
had said that if he wanted to be a hero he would have the "chance"
filled him with a wild delight. For a moment he could not move, so great
was his glad feeling--then with a cheery whistle he plodded on straight
toward his hill-top. It was an unlikely spot for "chances." It was too
near camp for the foe to be there; but irresistibly G. W.'s feet carried
him forward.

Overcome at length by the heat, G. W. reached the summit, only to sink
down at once in the tangle of bushes and pant and puff. But after a
while he revived; and then peering through the undergrowth he gazed down
upon the plain below that stretched beyond his limit.