THE noise the men were making attracted the attention of all within hearing, and before the procession had got far several officers came toward them to see what was the matter. Foremost among them was Colonel Norreys, recovered in health, and promoted to the command of the regiment.
Barrymore, saluting, told the colonel who they were escorting, and in another moment Colonel Norreys was wringing Jack’s hand.
‘My dear Blair,’ he said, ‘it is to you and Barrymore that I owe my life. I ought to have died if any man ought on that fatal day; how I managed to cheat the doctors I don’t know. Your conduct in the affair was reported with Barrymore’s; but we all feared you had been killed.’
‘I have been a prisoner all the time, sir,’ said Jack.
‘You must tell me all your adventures; but first I must introduce you to the other officers, nearly all, alas! strangers to you, but all of whom have heard of your exploits.’
The colonel then turned to Linham. ‘Welcome back to you, too, sergeant,’ he said; ‘it will seem something like old times to see your familiar features in the ranks again.’
‘Ha, hum! sir, you do me honour,’ and Linham saluted with the precision of an automaton.
Jack did his best to get away from the congratulations and flattering speeches of his officers, most of whom, as the colonel had said, were new to the regiment, consequently strangers. Hardly had he succeeded before his hand was clutched in a firm grasp, and turning, he saw—could he believe his eyes?—Will Hodson, staring at him with an eye suspiciously dim.
‘Jack!’
‘Will!’