The Thin Red Line; and Blue Blood

soldier's phrase. The few words let drop by General Wilders, and overheard by Sergeant McKay, had been ve

nzed and bearded, admirably appointed, perfectly drilled-one of many such magnificent battalions, th

! That so many of these and other brave men should be sacrificed before th

oyal Picts, saw many blemishes in his regiment, and he was determined to make the most of the time still intervening before embarkation. Parades w

jor," said the old martinet to

nt through the promotion of its

the better. The diff

Smallfield, and have decided

ldier in appearance and propriety-presently marched in a

onel, abruptly, "I am going t

Hyde, saluting; "I ha

ely. He was of the old school, and used e

, of the honour you

! I insist. I

e, firmly, "I must

aordinary fellow? Why, man a

tily interrupting, and looking wi

lonel. "Leave us, Mr. Smallfield; I w

said Hyde, when the adjutant had lef

ur cursed obstinacy. Why will you persist in keeping in the background? Acc

mmission; I am perf

his seat and walked round to where the sergeant stood, still erect and motionless. "Come, Rup

he sergeant's fa

am dead to the world. I

own the office. "You're just the man we want-superior in every way. You would hold your o

if you will lis

Spea

uld make an excelle

, intelligent young fellow. B

excellent parts and first-rate education. Bring him

gain at his desk, and

" he added, in a voice that implied their conventional

n Hyde's place, receiving the same offe

or the post, si

ted you for reasons of my own,

est, sir; that i

Do your best, and

nfided Stanislas to his friend Hyde

drily. "It's a case of hidden m

oticed me, or distinguished me from any

m," replied Hyde, still in the same tone. "Or your f

as I tell you, I don't un

o your recommendation, whoever gave it. You have got your foot on the ladder no

ragement, support. I am very young to be put up so high,

cKay. Come to me whenever you are in trouble or doubt. I will do a

s hand, shook it warmly, and t

hey kept him close from morning till night. A good sergeant-major allows himself no leisure. He is the first on parade, the last to leave it. He is perpetually on the move; now inspec

ce of seeing Mariquita alone. They kept their eye upon her, too; and when at last he tore himself away

eived him col

, on each side of the low fe

ttle star? How ha

me here at all, Don Stanislas. I

My new duties: they ha

a, abruptly. "I am to be no longer deceived by your prete

a!" prote

it. She is tall and fair; one of you

ho has told you

ort. Benit

aughed

a great lady. I was attending and following her about like a lackey. I would no

d with tear, and she said in a broken voice, as thoug

d! if only I cou

make mischief between us? But, there; time is too precious to waste in s

cool, Stanislas? If so, w

ews for you," and he told her of his unexpected prom

ommission before very long. Now

er heart, and was on the point of falling to the ground when McKay vaulte

thinking all the week how best to break the news!

zed and half-fainting, to a little seat near the house, where, with s

, the terrible news that I have so dreaded. We are

rave! Remember you are to be a

h! if they only dared,

roper spirit. You would fight

I go with you? Who knows! I might save you. I, a weak, helpless girl, would be st

isplayed by these sweet words, McKay b

was abruptly ended by the shrill, st

og-kennel! Here, in my very house! But, I promise you, it is for the last time. Hola! Benito! Pedro! hel

followed, but he was confronted by Benito, who now stood in the doorway

ated Englishman, or I wil

ilant by the throat; with the other the wrist that was lifted to strike. A few seconds more, and Benito h

d, in the person of Tio Pedro, who, slower in his movem

ked Pedro, roughly. "I will complain to the

ar your threats. But you, thief and smuggler, I will bring the police upo

words. He had evidently no wish for a domiciliary vi

is recent overthrow, seemed ready to renew the struggle. "Let him be! It is all a mi

Nothing more! We shall have to settle accounts together, he and I. Look to yourself Se?o

, after waiting a little longer in the hope

on were full of anxiety for him, and incessant, almost wearisome, activity. He had made himself one moment of leisure, and visited Bom

ted throng of spectators lined the way. Colonel Blythe headed his regiment, of course, and close behind him, according to regulation, marched the young sergeant-major, in brave apparel, holding his he

ere saw Mariquita, with white,

ut this was more than mortal man could do. He paused, lingering irresolutely, when

or a minute or two, if you like"-and, with this kindly and conside

ife], he was saying, when the poo

erplexed, and happily his

aid, "take charge

eyed damsels? It is well we have got the route. They are dangerous cattle, these

may return to console her for present sorrow. But I can't wait. Help me: I ca

taken up as

adjutant. We do not sail for two hours

ly, accepted the trust, and thus