something for them. When are they to be here?'

'In two or three days, the corporal said.'

'I think I might manage it. I will go and see Colonel Graham, and find
out if he will help.'

'I knew you would be able to do it,' said Teddy, beaming all over; 'and
p'raps, sir, you could tell some of them how to enlist, like you did me.
The corporal said I ought to try to be a recruiting sergeant for my
Captain, but they wouldn't listen to me, I am sure. I'm going to try to
enlist Nancy. I haven't tried half hard enough. But she says she'll only
be a sailor for Jesus, not a soldier. Can she be that, sir?'

Mr. Upton smiled. 'Yes, I think she can. Sailors have to keep watch, and
learn their drill, and take orders, and fight under their captain, just
like soldiers.'

And then Teddy went home and electrified his mother by telling her, with
an air of great importance, 'Mr. Upton and I are going to give the
soldiers a tea-party when they come.'

The days passed; Mr. Upton was as good as his word. A large tea was
provided in the village schoolroom, Colonel and Mrs. Graham taking a
hearty interest in it; and when the soldiers came in one hot, dusty
afternoon, everything was ready for them.

Teddy and others of the village children crowded round the Hare and
Hounds when they arrived, and Nancy was foremost of the crowd.