“Honour bright?”
Our ensign nodded.
“Congratulations, old man,—and I think you deserved it. Ensign Russell, V.C.!... Splendid, Ted!”
“What’s that?” asked Jim, who had joined the group. “You’re to have the V.C., young’un?”
Ted then related what had passed, and Charlie Dorricot thumped him violently in the small of the back.
“Well done, Ted!” he shouted excitedly. “I am glad; you deserve it, you cheeky little beggar!”
Ted being called away for a moment, Jim gravely observed:
“Well, I’m not so sure that I’m glad. He’s having too much luck, and will be thinking no end of himself unless he’s careful. Of course I’m very proud of him, but I’d have preferred him to win it a few years later.”
“Oh, Ted’s all right!” Charlie assured him. “He won’t be spoiled. He’s a sterling sort of kid.”
At that moment the subject of the conversation returned, and a pause ensued before the elder brother spoke.