believe he knows all the words of command as well as any captain
in the Scottish regiment. As to handling his musket, I have taught
him that myself, and the use of a sword, too, since he was ten
years old, and the men of his father's company have taken pleasure
in teaching the lad all they knew in that way."

"He reminds me of my own boyhood," the general said. "I like his
looks, and it seems to me that he has the making of a good officer.
All the officers of the regiment are men of good Scottish families,
and as such can serve in any capacity. I have often need of
a young officer who can carry my messages on a field of battle,
and can be trusted to understand their import and deliver them
faithfully. Now, Campbell," he said, turning to the lad, who
was standing with flushed face and eyes beaming with delight and
gratitude, "I will give you the choice. I will either appoint you
a volunteer for a year, in which time, if your conduct is satisfactory,
I will name you lieutenant, or I will take you directly into my
own household. My object in either case would be to produce an
officer likely to be useful to his Majesty.

"I should certainly not have adopted that course had it not been
that you appear already to have learned the duties of a soldier,
and to be acquainted with the ordinary drill and with the necessities
of a soldier's life. If you enter my household you will find it
no child's play, certainly no life of ease and comfort. I do not
spare myself, nor do I spare the officers immediately under me.
In a regiment you would learn better, perhaps, the duties of a
regimental officer, but with me you will have more opportunities of
learning the art of war, and of some day becoming a distinguished
officer, always supposing that you are not shot down in battle or