“Nor anybody,” said the officer, “eh, Harvey?”
“I shall not,” said the gentleman addressed, as he pulled the setter’s long ears.
“So long as it isn’t rough. Well, as we are to be fellow-passengers all through the voyage, we may as well be friends and go through our introductions. Who are you?”
Nic told him.
“Going to join your people, eh? Well, that’s pleasant. We are going to leave ours.”
“Who are you?” said Nic, taking his new acquaintance’s tone.
“I?” said the officer, laughing at the manner in which the question was put. “Lieutenant Lance, His Majesty’s 300th Light Infantry. This is Ensign Harvey of my company. Both at your service, sir, and our company too.”
“Thank you,” said Nic, laughing; “but I’m not likely to need it.”
“Unless the birds want to take flight,” said the ensign.
Nic looked at him inquiringly.