enough. I warn you that the discipline will be strict. In a newly
raised regiment like this it is necessary to keep a tight hand,
but if you behave yourselves and do your duty you will not find
the life a hard one.

"Remember, it's no use any of you thinking of deserting; we have
got your names and addresses, so you couldn't go home if you did;
and you would soon be brought back wherever you went, and you know
pretty well what's the punishment for desertion without my telling
you. That will do."

No one raised a voice in reply--each man felt that his position
was hopeless, for, as the colonel said, they had been legally
impressed. They were first taken before the adjutant, who rapidly
swore them in, and they were then set to work, assisted by some
more soldiers, in pitching tents. Clothes were soon served out to
them and the work of drill commenced at once.

Each day brought fresh additions to the force, and in a fortnight
its strength was complete. Jack did not object to the hard drill
which they had to go through, and which occupied them from morning
till night, for the colonel knew that on any day the regiment might
receive orders to embark, and he wanted to get it in something
like shape before setting sail. Jack did, however, shrink from
the company in which he found himself. With a few exceptions the
regiment was made up of wild and worthless fellows, of whom the
various magistrates had been only too glad to clear their towns,
and mingled with these were the sweepings of the jails, rogues and
ruffians of every description. The regiment might eventually be
welded into a body of good soldiers, but at present discipline had