tish army, worthily maintaining the reputation of
the finest infantry in the world.

Alas! that long years of peace should have rusted administrative
machinery! That so many of these and other brave men should be
sacrificed before the year was out for want of food, fuel, and
clothing--the commonest supplies.

There seemed little need to improve a military machine so perfect at
all its points. But the fastidious eye of Colonel Blythe, who
commanded the Royal Picts, saw many blemishes in his regiment, and he
was determined to make the most of the time still intervening before
embarkation. Parades were perpetual; for the inspection of arms and
accoutrements, for developing manual dexterity, and efficiency in
drill. Still he was not satisfied.

"We must have a new sergeant-major," said the old martinet to his
adjutant in the orderly-room.

The post was vacant for the moment through the promotion of its late
holder to be quartermaster.

"Yes, sir; the sooner the better. The difficulty is to choose."

"I have been thinking it over, Smallfield, and have decided to promote
Hyde. Send for him."

Colour-sergeant Hyde, erect, self-possessed--a pattern soldier in
appearance and propriety--presently marched in and stood respectfully
at "attention" before his superior.

"Sergeant Hyde!" said the colonel, abruptly, "I am going to make you a
sergeant-major."

"Thank you, sir," said Hyde, saluting; "I had rather not take it."

"Heavens above!" cried the colonel, fiercely. He was of the old
school, and used expletives freely. "You must be an idiot!"

"I am sensible, sir, of the honour you would do me, but--"

"Nonsense, man! I insist. I must have you."

"No, sir," said Hyde, firmly, "I must decline the honour."

"Was there ever such an extraordinary fellow? Why, man alive! it will
reinstate you--"

"I must beg, sir," said Hyde, hastily interrupting, and looking with
intention towards the adjutant.

"Yes, yes! I understand," said the colonel. "Leave us, Mr. Smallfield;
I wish to speak to Sergeant Hyde alone."

"You have my secret, Colonel Blythe," said Hyde, when the adjutant had
left the room, "but I have your promise."

"I was near forgetting it, I confess; but I was so upset, so put out,
at your cursed obstinacy. Why will you persist in keeping in the
background? Accept this promotion, and you shall have a commission
before the year is out."

"I do not want a commission; I am perfectly happy as I am."

"Was t