colour-sergeant in the Royal Picts?"

"I don't think they are aware of my existence even."

"Well, never mind. Don't be cast down. The time may come when they
will be proud to recognise you. It all depends upon yourself?"

"I will do all I know to force them, you may be sure."

"And you will have your chance, in a great war like this which is
coming. Everything is possible to a man whose heart is in the right
place. You have pluck and spirit."

The young fellow's eyes flashed.

"Trust me, Hyde; I sha'n't flinch, if I only get the chance."

"You are well educated; you can draw; you have picked up Spanish since
you have been here; and I suppose you inherit a taste for languages
from your Polish father?"

"I don't know; at any rate, I can talk French fluently, and I speak
Russian of course."

"Why, man! the game is positively in your own hands. You are bound to
get on: mark my words."

"Not if we stay here, Hyde, keeping guard upon this old Rock and
losing all the fun. Can you wonder why I am so anxious the regiment
should get the route?"