And so a year passed away, and then came a day when I had to appear at
head-quarters, where I showed myself, feeling that I was in disgrace for
some reason or another.

I was kept waiting for some little time before an orderly bade me follow
him, and directly after, I found myself in the presence of four
stern-looking officers, who began to question me severely, one beginning
as soon as another ceased.

I suppose my replies were satisfactory, all being on technical matters
connected with field-gunnery, but what it all meant, unless I was to be
promoted, I could not tell.

At last the officer who seemed to be the head, turned to me.

"Look here, Lieutenant Vincent," he said; "this sharp examination is due
to the fact that some pressure has been brought to bear, to have you
transferred to the horse artillery."

I turned scarlet with excitement. "Well, sir, we naturally resent this,
as we are proud of our horse service, and do not want some lout with
interest to back him, foisted upon us. It would be degrading, but I
tell you frankly that we are favourably impressed."

"Thank you, sir," I said.

"We have carefully gone into your antecedents. We find that you are the
son of a distinguished officer in the Queen's service; that your career
at Brandscombe was excellent, and we learn nothing but good of you in
connection with your year's work here."

I bowed.

"Of course, we push you forward reluctantly, for it is a great honour to
such a youth as you are. Why, you will be the youngest officer in the
horse artillery."

"I am young, sir," I said, humbly, but with my heart beating fast.

"And there is another thing before this is settled. What about riding?"

"I can ride anything, sir," I said eagerly.

"Indeed!"

"I have hunted a great deal at home."

"Ah, well, I suppose we must give way, and I hope you will prove worthy
of your promotion to so gallant a corps. By the way, you know Captain
Brace?"

"Oh yes, sir," I replied.

"Yes; he speaks very highly of you. So you shall go on probation with
his troop at Rambagh."

I tried to speak, but no words came.

"Which means, Mr Vincent," said another of the old officers, "that if
you prove yourself a soldier of spirit you will stay."

I hardly knew what followed, and soon after I was dismissed, to go and
find Brace, who welcomed me with outstretched hands.

"I am very glad, Vincent," he said, "very glad indeed. Come along with
me, and I'll introduc