"Our raw recruits at last," said Captain Neville, who was standing with the ladies.
"And that means, I suppose, that we are to start for Farthermost at once," said Mrs. Neville.
"Not on the instant," laughed the captain.
"This is Saturday afternoon. To-morrow is Sunday. We shall leave on Monday morning."
"Rain or shine?"
"Fair or foul, of course," said the captain.
It was really the steamer with the new recruits on board. Half an hour later they landed and marched into the fort, under the command of the recruiting sergeant, and they were received with cheers.
That evening Captain Neville announced his intention to set out for Farthermost on Monday morning. Of course this was expected. And equally, of course, not one word was said to induce him to defer his departure for one day. Military duty must take precedence of mere politeness.
The next day being the Sabbath, the ladies attended the morning service in the chapel of the fort. The irrepressible Major —— was present, and after the benediction, attached himself to Captain Neville's party, and walked home with them to the colonel's quarters, but not next to Cora, who walked with Mrs. Neville.
As the major paused at the door, Mrs. —— had no choice but to invite him to come in and stay to dinner, adding that this was the last day of the Nevilles' and Mrs. Rothsay's sojourn at the fort.