There were no other recruits. "A great disappointment," said Mr
Boult. "That earnest young fool spoilt it all."
"He made the best speech of the evening," answered the Vicar.
"Well, anyway he's enlisted. He'll find the Army a fine discipline for the tongue."
"Indeed," said the Vicar viciously. "I did not know that you had experience of the Service."
As Seth Minards thrust his way out of the insufferably stuffy room, in the porchway he felt a hand laid on his shoulder; and, turning about, recognised Nicky-Nan by the dim starlight.
"God bless 'ee, my son!" said Nicky heartily, to his utter surprise. "I can't stay to talk now, havin' to force my way in an' catch Dr Mant. But maybe we'll both be seein' this War from to-morrow; an' maybe we'll meet in it, or maybe we will not. But you've let in light 'pon an older skull than your own; an' I thank 'ee, an' I'll pray th' Almighty every night on my knees that you may fight well an' be preserved through it all, to come home an' testify."
CHAPTER XXIV.
THE FIRST THREE.
Mr Pamphlett had breakfasted, and had gone upstairs to put on his frock-coat and array himself for Divine service.
The servant girl announced Mr Nanjivell.