.

Dick Smithson turned round in astonishment to gaze in the face of his
companion, whose act had at once taken the attention of a couple of
soldiers, out beyond their time, and of some men with whom they were
drinking.

"Call for something, Smithson," whispered the lieutenant, glancing back
anxiously at the door.

"But I don't want anything, sir," said Dick, angrily.

"Never mind; treat me, then."

Dick stared, wondering whether his companion was going out of his mind.

"Don't stop," whispered the lieutenant. "Order some beer."

With the reason beginning to dawn upon him now, Dick ordered and paid
for two pots of ale, which he handed to the two half-tipsy soldiers, who
began proposing their health just as steps and voices were heard
passing.

The next minute they were outside.

"A false alarm, Smithson," said the lieutenant, with a forced laugh, as
he dabbed his forehead. "I caught a glimpse of them lower down; I
thought it was the major and the doctor. How absurd it all seemed. You
don't think those two fellows will talk about it?"

"Well, sir, I can't help thinking they will," replied Dick.

"That will be awkward," said the lieutenant in dismay. "They ought to
have been in barracks; and they may excuse themselves by saying that I
was treating them at a public-house."

"Yes, sir, it will be awkward," said Dick, who felt annoyed and yet
amused.

"It will look so ungentlemanly. You see, they were both men belonging
to my company. Whatever shall I do?"

"Nothing, I should say, sir. I don't see what you can do."

"No," said the lieutenant, shaking his head sadly. "What a pity it is
that things will go so crookedly!" And he walked on in silence down
into the main street, looking sharply from side to side.

"Anyone would think that we were going to commit a burglary," muttered
Dick. As they went on for some time, "Is it here, sir?" he ventured to
say at last.

"Only about five hundred yards more, Smithson; but, really, that
_contretemps_ has so upset me that I think you had better play a solo.
I shall never get through a duet."

"But that would be of no use, sir," cried Dick. "It would be only my
music then. It ought to be your serenade."

"Yes, Smithson--it ought," sighed the lieutenant in a husky whisper;
"but, if I broke down, it would be absurd."

"But you wouldn't break down, sir. See how correctly you played it this
evening."

"Yes, I did--didn't I? You think I could do it, d