cted," (it was here that his voice
shook). "Captain Dyer's company will garrison the place till our
return, and to those men many of us leave all that is dear to us on
earth. I have spoken. God save the Queen!"

How that place echoed with the hearty "Hurray!" that rung out; and then
it was, "Fours right. March!" and only our company held firm, while I
don't know whether I felt disappointed or pleased, till I happened to
look up at one of the windows, to see Mrs Maine and Miss Ross, with
those two poor little innocent children clapping their hands with
delight at seeing the soldiers march away; one of them, the little girl,
with her white muslin and scarlet sash over her shoulder, being held up
by Lizzy Green; and then I did know that I was not disappointed, but
glad I was to stay.

But to shew you how a man's heart changes about when it is blown by the
hot breath of what you may call love, let me tell you that only half a
minute later, I was disappointed again at not going; and dared I have
left the ranks, I'd have run after the departing column, for I caught
Harry Lant looking up at that window, and I thought a handkerchief was
waved to him.

Next minute, Captain Dyer calls out, "Form four-deep. Right face.
March!" and he led us to the gateway, but only to halt us there, for
Measles, who was sentry, calls out something to him in a wild excited
way.

"What do you want, man?" says Captain Dyer.

"O sir, if you'll only let me exchange. 'Taint too late. Let me go,
captain."

"How dare you, sir!" says Captain Dyer sternly, though I could see
plainly enough it was only for discipline, for he was, I thought pleased
at Measles wanting to be in the thick of it. Then he shouts again to
Measles, "'Tention--present arms!" and Measles falls into his right
position for a sentry when troops are marching past. "March!" says the
captain again; and we marched into the market-place, and--all but those
told off for sentries--we were dismissed; and Captain Dyer then stood
talking earnestly to Lieutenant Leigh, for it had fallen out that they
two, with a short company of eight-and-thirty rank and file, were to
have the guarding of the women and children left in quarters at
Begumbagh.

STORY ONE, CHAPTER SEVEN.

It seemed to me that, for the time being, Lieutenant Leigh was too much
of a soldier to let private matters and personal feelings of enmity
interfere with duty; and those two stood talking together for a good