“No, sir, I think not. I must own to always having felt a dislike to him.”
“Indeed,” said the colonel sharply. “Why?”
“I would rather you did not ask me, sir.”
“Speak out, man!” said the colonel sternly.
“Well, sir, I have never liked him since he obtained his promotion.”
“Why?”
“I did not think he deserved it so well as some of the other men of his standing.”
“Humph! Let me see; he was promoted on Captain Roby’s recommendation.”
“Yes, sir; he was always a favourite with his captain.”
“Have you been a bit tyrannical—overbearing?”