results of his
patent plan, it was decided to defer the rest of the operation until
another time.

But the amazement of Dr. Larned, when he beheld his pupils in such a
condition, was beyond everything.

"Why, Peter! Freddy! what have you been doing?" he exclaimed, raising
his hands, and pushing his spectacles to the top of his forehead, to
look at them better.

"Oh, only getting our hair cut in the Zouave pattern," said Peter, as
cool as a cucumber. "Don't you know, Doctor, that we've organized a
regiment?"

"Organized a regiment!" repeated the doctor, his spectacles almost
falling off with astonishment.

"Yes, sir, the Dashahed Zouaves; haven't you heard of them?"

"Is there any end to the mischief of boys?" exclaimed the doctor; "If
such things had happened in my young days, our old master, Dr.
Birchemwell, would have verified his name even oftener than he did. I do
not know what your mothers will say when they see such a couple of
scarecrows; but come, we have wasted quite time enough; lessons!
lessons!"

And to the credit of the boys, be it said, they really did set to work
like good fellows, recited the unlucky geography lesson without a single
mistake, ciphered like perfect calculating machines, and had the
pleasure of hearing Dr. Larned say, as they shook hands for good-bye,
"Really, young gentlemen, you have done very well--very well, indeed; so
now good-bye, and pleasant holidays!"

CHAPTER II.

"MARCHING ALONG."

MONDAY morning at last! and a bright, beautiful day. The sky was as blue
as possible; the sun shone so brightly that it seemed as though it must
have been polished up for the occasion, and Colonel Freddy, as soon as
he awoke, could not help giving a little shout of joy.

But what was that right opposite his bed? A large wooden box, with
"Colonel Jourdain, Dashahed Zouaves, First Regiment L. I. Volunteers,"
painted on the lid in great black letters.

Up jumped the new Colonel quicker than any grasshopper, rushed to the
mysterious box, and raised the lid. Lying on top was a letter at least
six inches square, directed like the box, and closed with a great red
seal. Underneath _that_ was--what do you think? A splendid uniform for a
Colonel of Zouaves! sword, cap, and epaulettes, complete!

Freddy's eyes and mouth opened to their widest compass, as he stared at
the box, too much surprised to move. Presently his father came in,
looking highly amused.

"Good morning, Colonel," he