e, and together they hauled in poor
Arden, more frightened than hurt, over the bows. They soon made him
safe in the little cabin of the cutter, with his clothes stripped off,
and he himself wrapped up in a blanket. The clothes quickly dried in
the warm sun and air, and he was able to be the first to describe his
accident to his parents, and to speak of Ernest's gallant conduct in
saving him.

"My dear Arden," replied Ernest, when the former was overwhelming him
with thanks, "I learned to swim, and know how to retain my presence of
mind. Had you been able, you would have done the same for me; so say no
more about it."

Young Arden did not say much more about it, nor did Mr Arden to Ernest
himself; but he had powerful friends in India, and when, after some
months Bracebridge arrived there, he found himself cordially welcomed,
and placed in a position where he had full scope for the exercise of his
talents.

For some time Ernest Bracebridge had not heard from any of his old
schoolfellows. War was raging. His regiment, with others, was
appointed to attack a stronghold of the enemy. He led on his men with a
gallantry for which he had been ever conspicuous, but they met with a
terrific opposition. Almost in vain they struggled on. Again and again
they were beaten back, and as often encouraged by their brave leader,
they charged the foe. At length he fell. His men rallied round him to
carry him off, when there was a loud cheer--a fresh regiment was coming
to their support. Ernest looked up. They were Queen's troops. He saw
the face of the officer who led them, as, waving his sword, he dashed
by. Ernest shouted, "Ellis--Ellis!" The enemy could not stand the
shock of the British bayonets. They fled in confusion. Ernest heard
the cry, "They run--they run." Then he sunk, exhausted from loss of
blood.

At length the blood was stanched, a cordial was poured down his throat,
and looking up, he saw the countenance of his old friend Edward Ellis
bending anxiously over him. Ellis bore him to his tent, and nursed him
with the care of a brother. Together in many a hard-fought fight they
served their country, and often talked of their old schoolfellows, of
the kind Doctor, and of the happy days they spent at Grafton Hall.

End of Project Gutenberg's Ernest Bracebridge, by William H. G. Kingston

*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ERNEST BRACEBRIDGE ***

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