ve never
done anything yet."

"I shall have a chance of giving him a helping hand some day," the major
replied, "and you may be sure that when the opportunity comes I shall do
what I can. I have not forgotten what I owe him, I can tell you."

The opportunity came sooner than the major had expected. In a short time
it became known that four squadrons of the 10th Hussars and one squadron
of the 1st were to accompany the expedition, and the greatest excitement
prevailed in the corps as to which troops should be chosen. Two days
later Edgar was delighted to hear that the A and D troops had been
named for the service.

"Why have they chosen the D troop, Robert?" Mrs. Horsley asked her
husband.

"Partly, my dear, because Atkinson is the senior captain."

"Oh, yes! I forgot that. And what is the other reason?"

"Well, Emma, that reason is known only to myself, but I do not mind your
knowing it; but you must not whisper it to anyone."

"What is it?" his wife asked curiously.

"Because, my dear, Trumpeter Smith belongs to that troop, and I thought
I would give him the chance of distinguishing himself. Someday, when it
comes to a question of promotion, it will count in his favour that he
has seen active service."

"Oh, I am glad, Robert! It was very good of you to think of it. I wish
that he could know that you thought of him."

"That he certainly cannot know," the major said decidedly. "It would be
a nice thing for it to be known by anyone that the arrangements as to
which troop should go on service had been influenced by my desire to do
a good turn to a trumpeter. The other reason is a good and sufficient
one. Atkinson, as senior captain, has almost a right to the first chance
that offers. He is pretty sure to get brevet rank if there is any hard
fighting."

At this moment there was a knock at the door and an orderly entered, and
saluting handed a note to Major Horsley. He glanced through it, and an
expression of pleasure crossed his face.

"My compliments to the colonel. I will come across and see him at once."

"What is it, Robert?" his wife asked as the door closed behind the
soldier.

"Well, my dear, it is news that I own gives me great pleasure, but which
I am afraid you won't like."

"Not that you are to go with the detachment, Robert?"

"Yes, Emma, that is it;" and he handed her the note.

"My dear Horsley, I have just received orders from the general that a
field-officer is to go in command of the