smen, when near
Jugdulluk; but the garrison came out to our rescue, and we got
through safely. But we had thirty men killed or wounded."

"A smart affair!" the colonel said. "And now, of course, you will
take up your quarters with us, for a day or two, before you go on.
The officers will all be glad to see you; and you will be able to
tell us all about the attack on the mission, and the recent
fighting. Roberts has been having some hot work, there.

"We have been grumbling horribly at our bad luck. We thought, at
the time, we were fortunate at being sent back to India, when peace
was signed, instead of being kept in the Khurum valley. But the
consequence has been that we have been out of it all. However, we
must look upon you as our representative."

Will hesitated about staying, but the colonel overruled his
objection; saying that, as there would be no fighting until the
spring, there could be no particular hurry for him to join his
regiment. A spare room was placed at his disposal, in the colonel's
quarters, and Will was soon made at home. The officers flocked in,
upon hearing of his arrival; and all congratulated him, most
warmly, upon his promotion. An hour later, a mounted orderly rode
up to the colonel's quarters.

"Is Lieutenant Gale here?" he asked.

Will went forward.

"A note from the general," the orderly said and, handing it to him,
"also one for Colonel Shepherd."

Illustration: Letters from the General.

Will's note was simply an invitation to dine, that evening, with
the general. The colonel's letter was as follows:

"Colonel Shepherd,

"As Lieutenant Gale was promoted from your regiment, I think it is
likely that he has found his way to you. I have written to ask him
to dinner; please spare him to me. I hope you will do me the
pleasure of accompanying him. He has performed a most gallant
action; and I have just had the pleasure of writing a dispatch,
recommending him for the V.C."

Will and the colonel at once wrote notes, accepting the invitation.
When these had been sent out to the orderly the colonel read aloud,
to the officers present, the note he had received from the general.

"Now," he said, turning to Will, "what is that you have been doing?
You told us the convoy had been attacked, and sharply pressed; but
you said nothing of your share in the affair. What was it?"

"It was simple enough, sir," Will answered, coloring hotly. "We
were surrounded, just at the mouth of the defile.