The boy had, during his stay in hospital at Lisbon, communicated with
his parents at home, and, to his delight, had received their consent
to his following the profession of a soldier. "It is useless to stand
in the boy's way," the elder Fairburn had said, "though I could have
wished he had taken up almost any other trade." So the lad had no
hesitation in thus taking service in the army once more.

When the two, in company with others, reached head quarters,
Lieutenant Fieldsend presented the letter he held from Sir George
Rooke, and was received with the utmost pleasantness by the great
Duke.

"Humph, Mr. Fieldsend," Marlborough began, when he had glanced over
the contents of the short epistle. "You are a lucky young fellow to
have got Sir George's good word. But where is the lad he speaks
of--Fairburn, I see?"

"Just outside, your Grace," was the reply, and at a nod the lieutenant
fetched George in.

The Duke scanned the boy's ruddy face and took note of his sturdy
figure.

"My lad," he began, "you have begun early. Do you know what request
Sir George makes in this note?"

"No, sir--my Lord Duke," George stammered in reply, his knees almost
shaking under him.