uardroom," he said. "Your officer has his
instructions concerning him."

"Oh, Drew!" whispered Frank; but the lad drew himself up, and took a few
steps forward, placing himself between the Guards, and kept step with
them as they marched out and down the stairs.

The next minute their steps were heard on the paving-stones without, and
Frank darted to the window, to stand gazing out, feeling half choked
with sorrow for his friend.

A touch on the arm made him remember that Captain Murray was waiting.

"It's a pity, Frank," he said; "but I did all I could. He's a bit too
high-spirited, my lad. The best thing for him will be the army; the
discipline would do him good."

Frank longed to speak, but he felt that his lips were sealed.

"Well, we must not let a bit of hot temper spoil our dinner, my lad. By
the way, what news of your father?"

"None, sir," said the boy sadly, though the thought of what Andrew
Forbes had said made him wince.

"Humph!" said Captain Murray, looking at the boy curiously. "There, I
don't want to pump you. Tell him next time you write that there will be
a grand night at the mess when he comes back to his old place. Now,
then, we shall be late."

"Would you mind excusing me, sir?" said Frank.

"Yes, very much. Nonsense! You must be quite hungry by now."

"No: I was; but it's all gone."

"Hah!" said the captain, gripping him by the shoulder; "you're your
father's own boy, Frank. I like that, but I can't have it. You
accepted the invitation, and I want you, my lad. Never mind Andrew
Forbes; he only requires time to cool down. He'll be ready to shake
hands in the morning. Come, or we shall get in disgrace for being
late."

Frank was marched off to the messroom; but he felt as if every mouthful
would choke him, and that he would have given anything to have gone and
shared Andrew Forbes's confinement, even if he had only received hard
words for his pains.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT.

A NIGHT ALARM.

It was very plain to Frank that the officers did not look upon his
offence in a very serious light, for the younger men received him with a
cheer, and the elders with a smile, as they shook hands, while the
doctor came and clapped him on the shoulder.

"Hallo, young fire-eater!" he cried; "when are you coming to stay?"

"To stay, sir?" said the boy, feeling puzzled.

"Yes, with your commission. We've lost your father. We must have you
to take his place."

"No, sir," said