"No."
"Have you any one to speak to your character?"
"No one here. I only landed this morning by the Thalia, which came in from England last night."
"That is awkward," the officer said. "You know that as a rule we only enlist in England, and only take applicants of good character."
"I am aware of that, sir; but as just at present you are likely to want men who can fight, character is not of so much importance."
The adjutant smiled, and again scrutinised the applicant closely.
"The man has been an officer," he said to himself. "Well, that is nothing to me; he has the cut of a soldier all over."
"Do you know the conditions of service? You provide your own horse and uniform. Government provides arms. In the event of your not being able to find your horse and uniform, Government will—as it is anxious to fill up the ranks as soon as possible—provide them, and stop the money from your pay."
"I can provide horse and uniform."
"Very well, then, I will take you," the officer said.