, and beat time
energetically with that also.

At the end of the verse the performers took a rapid breath, as though
afraid of being left behind, and then galloped on, a little less evenly,
until one by one they reached the highly-decorated Amen.

When the last note of the last cornet had died away on the startled air,
Mr. Dryland made a sign to the head boy of the school, who thereupon
advanced and waved his cap, shouting:

"Three cheers for Capting Parsons, V.C.!"

Then the curate, wiping his heated brow, turned round and cleared his
throat.

"Captain Parsons," he said, in a loud voice, so that none should miss
his honeyed words, "we, the inhabitants of Little Primpton, welcome you
to your home. I need not say that it is with great pleasure that we have
gathered together this day to offer you our congratulations on your safe
return to those that love you. I need not remind you that there is no
place like home. ("Hear, hear!" from the Vicar.) We are proud to think
that our fellow-parishioner should have gained the coveted glory of the
Victoria Cross. Little Primpton need not be ashamed now to hold up its
head among the proudest cities of the Empire. You have brought honour to
yourself, but you have brought honour to us also. You have shown that
Englishmen know how to die; you have shown the rival nations of the
Continent that the purity and the godliness of Old England still bear
fruit. But I will say no more; I wished only to utter a few words to
welcome you on behalf of those who cannot, perhaps, express themselves
so well as I can. I will say no more. Captain Parsons, we hope that you
will live long to enjoy your honour and glory, side by side with her who
is to shortly become your wife. I would only assure you that your
example has not been lost upon us; we all feel better, nobler, and more
truly Christian. And we say to you, now that you have overcome all
dangers and tribulation, now that you have returned to the bosom of your
beloved family, take her who has also given us an example of
resignation, of courage, and of--and of resignation. Take her, we say,
and be happy; confident in the respect, esteem, and affection of the
people of Little Primpton. James Brown, who has the honour to bear the
same Christian name as yourself, and is also the top boy of the Parish
School, will now recite a short poem entitled 'Casabianca.'

Mr. Dryland had wished to compose an ode especially for the occasion.
It would eviden