e qualifying examination."

"Well, we mustn't be too sanguine," Captain Clinton said; "and eight
months' quiet study won't hurt him after campaigning in Egypt for two
years. By the way, Edgar, I paid in the money for you to buy out, and
sent in an application in your name. These things take some little time
before they are carried out, but no doubt we shall soon hear. But in the
meantime you had better write at once to the officer commanding your
depot, saying that you have returned home, and asking for a month's
leave of absence. You are sure to get your discharge before that is
over."

Edgar remained at home for a week, spending much of his time, however,
over his old school-books. Then he went up to town and worked at a
crammer's until the examination came off, when, thanks in no small
degree to the number of marks he obtained for his Arabic, he just
managed to get the number necessary to qualify him. To his great
satisfaction he was at once gazetted to a regiment as if he had been
promoted from the ranks, instead of having to go through the course at
Sandhurst, and thus gained several months' seniority. Three months'
leave was granted him, and at the end of that time he joined his
regiment, which was stationed at Malta.

No question as to which of the Clintons is the legitimate son of the
captain and his wife has ever again troubled them. Edgar and Rupert know
that they are equally dear to those at home, and all are happy in the
knowledge that nothing henceforth can break the closeness of their tie,
and that it can never be known which is the lawful heir of the estates.
What is much more important to them both, neither of them can say which
has the first claim on the love and affection of Captain and Mrs.
Clinton, and of their sister.

THE END.

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