llow has put down his
name and wanted to be transferred from the foot, and want has been his
master. But nowadays the service is going to the dogs."

"I don't want to--"

"Stop! you are going to hear me out," he cried, interposing between me
and the door. "I've long wanted to come to an understanding with you,
but you have always sneaked behind your nurse."

"I don't understand you," I said angrily; but it was not true.

"Then I'll tell you what I mean. You have always hung on the
apron-string of Mr Brace, and a nice pair there are of you. The
troop's going to ruin, and I shall tell Lacey so. I'm not going to
stand it. Here, you came out, a mere schoolboy, and before you've been
two years in the foot, you are selected to come into what used to be the
smartest troop in the Company's service. I'm not blind. It's all
grossly unfair. You've got relatives on the board, and it's all money
and interest. It's a disgrace to the service."

"Do you mean I am a disgrace to the troop?" I said hotly.

"Yes, I do," he cried savagely; "and I know well enough one of these
days how it will be. There will be some excuse made, and you will be
promoted over me; and if you are, I warn you I won't rest until the
whole miserable bit of trickery has been exposed."

"You would be clever if you did expose anything, for there is nothing
for you to expose. My uncle did write to head-quarters, I know, but I
read his letter first."

"What did it say?"

"And he only asked for my wishes to be acceded to, if I was found
worthy."

"Found worthy!" he cried, with a mocking laugh, which made my cheeks
burn. "Found worthy! It's a disgrace to the service!"

"Oh, there, I'm not going to quarrel with you," I said, fighting down my
annoyance.

"No, and I am not going to quarrel with you, but for a couple of annas
I'd give you a downright horsewhipping."

I started up from my seat, but a hand was laid upon my arm, and I was
pressed down as I swung my head round and gazed up in Brace's stern
face.

"Be quiet," he said, grimly; and then--"May I ask, Mr Barton, what this
means?"

"No, you may not," cried Barton, offensively.

"But I do ask, sir. I heard you threaten to horse-whip your junior
officer as I entered the room."

"And most creditable for an officer and a gentleman to stand at the door
listening," cried Barton, in a mocking tone. "Eavesdropping."

Brace's pale sallow face changed colour, but he spoke very calmly, fo