said the man in a familiar way. The other
Bushmen craned their necks. They were interested. They knew that
Grouse had gone over the score, and they waited to see the stuff that
the sergeant-major was made of. It was, in fact, the psychological
moment which makes or mars the reputation of a sergeant-major in such a
corps. The sergeant-major knew it.

"Look here, young man, I make great allowance for inexperience, for
none of you have been soldiers before, but I make no allowance for
insolence. Take off your coat."

"What!"

"Take off your coat," said the sergeant-major with emphasis, at the
same time throwing off his own. The man followed suit.

"Now step out here, and we'll decide who's going to run this show."

Then the unexpected happened. The man shoved out his hand. "Shake,
sir; you're a good fellow. I'm afeard of no man, but I won't fight
you, for I'm in the wrong."

"Well, you're a man, anyway," said Jones, shaking him cordially by the
hand, while the whole squad gave out a thrilling cheer.

Colonel Sam Killem had watched it all from the corner of the parade
ground. For him it was an anxious moment. He was a broad-minded
Australian who realised the need of experienced Britishers like Jones
for the training of his men. But he was also aware of the national
prejudice against the imported man. If Jones had adopted the usual way
in the British regiment, that is, clapping the offender in the guard
room and formally charging him with "insubordination in the ranks," Sam
knew that his prestige as a sergeant-major would have dropped fifty per
cent. However, he was well pleased to see him handle the man in the
Australian manner.

"Made good that time, Jones," said the colonel with a dry grin as the
sergeant-major came forward.

"That's the only way with these men, sir."

"Glad you know it. By the way, I know that man. He half killed one of
the Mounted Police two years ago. He's three-quarters blackguard and
one-quarter of a good fellow; but we'll make a man of him. Put him in
orders to-night for the lance stripe. I always believe in making
N.C.O.'s out of these rascals."

"Splendid idea, sir," said the sergeant-major, saluting and falling out.

Next day Lance-Corporal Grouse commenced a new career--that of a
gallant soldier and an Australian gentleman.

Another interesting incident occurred during the training. Side by
side with the Kangaroo Marines lay the Melbourne Nuts, a battalion o