And so it was that for the second time that week Teddy was a visitor at the rectory.
'Please, sir, I've done it!' he exclaimed breathlessly, as soon as he was ushered into the presence of the rector.
'Eh? What have you been doing?'
And Mr. Upton roused himself from a reverie into which he had fallen as he sat at his study window and watched his favourite beehives. Then, noting the disappointed look on the child's face, and recognising who it was, he added briskly, 'Ah! it is Teddy Platt, is it? And so you've done it, have you? Thank God! Yes, I remember all about it. You're a fresh recruit.'
Teddy's eyes glistened. 'I enlisted this afternoon, sir.'
'For life, did you? No short-service system with God!'
Mr. Upton had at one time been chaplain to troops abroad, and it was his knowledge of military matters that so attracted the boy.
'Yes, for life, sir.'
'May God keep you true to Himself, my boy, in life and in death!'
There was a pause, then Teddy said eagerly, 'Please, sir, you said you would show me one of the enemies I have got to fight.'