quaint.
Everybody knew me; they all knew who I was. But it was obviously up to me
to play the game.

A pleasing surprise awaited me the Monday morning following the day I
joined. Corporal Campbell informed me that the then drill instructor who
supervised the riding school and the instruction in sword and carbine
exercises, musketry and revolver practice, had sent in his resignation,
as he was going to get married and had decided to open an hotel in the
flourishing district on the Mount Lofty ranges, at the foot of which the
city of Adelaide is situated. He further told me that I had been
appointed drill instructor in his place, and that the rank of
acting-corporal had been conferred on me. This was indeed quick
promotion. Besides, it carried with it many privileges. In the first
place I could have a room to myself instead of sleeping in one of the
barrack-rooms; secondly, I was off routine duties, such as serving
summonses, investigating offences against the Police Act, and doing night
patrol duties. My daily pay was raised to ten shillings and twopence a
day, but I had to share with Corporal Campbell the responsibility of
being in charge of the barracks. My short experience in the North Island
of New Zealand stood me in good stead. My knowledge of military law and
procedure came in most useful, as it naturally comprised an intimate
acquaintance with the rules of evidence, most necessary in the
preparation of police-court cases. I felt that I was fairly qualified to
take on my new duties without any misgivings. Besides, Corporal Campbell
kindly offered to coach me in carrying on the discipline and economic
duties in connexion with the barracks, and the official correspondence
with the Commissioner's office.

One of the privileges of the drill instructor was to have his horse
attended to by one of the troopers. I did not avail myself of this.

A young horse, rising four, had just been bought, one of the handsomest
dappled greys I had ever seen, standing about fifteen hands three, full
of breeding. I selected him for my mount, and determined to look after
him myself. Cold work it was too in the early winter mornings to wash him
down, groom him and keep the saddlery and accoutrements in order. I
schooled him myself, and he promised to become a perfect hack and police
horse. A police horse needs to be taught the best of manners. He must be
thoroughly quiet, good tempered, and capable of being ridden in amongst a
crowd w