The Colonel grasped my hand warmly. "Thank you. So they could. I
never thought of that." He looked relieved. For all that, he
presently passed his hand over his forehead and nervously chewed
his cheroot.

"There is something else," I said.

"You are right. There is. It is a secret. Promise me it shall go
no further--than the Press? Nay, swear that you will KEEP it for
the Press!"

"I promise."

"Thank you SO much. It is a matter of my own and Mulledwiney's.
The fact is, we have had a PERSONAL difficulty." He paused,
glanced around him, and continued in a low, agitated voice:
"Yesterday I came upon him as he was sitting leaning against the
barrack wall. In a spirit of playfulness--mere playfulness, I
assure you, sir--I poked him lightly in the shoulder with my stick,
saying 'Boo!' He turned--and I shall never forget the look he gave
me."

"Good heavens!" I gasped, "you touched--absolutely TOUCHED--
Mulledwiney?"

"Yes," he said hurriedly, "I knew what you would say; it was
against the Queen's Regulations--and--there was his sensitive
nature which shrinks from even a harsh word; but I did it, and of
course he has me in his power."