“Here, Smithson, I shall want you to give me some lessons, too.”
The next minute Dick was crossing the barrack yard to reach his quarters, wondering whether it would be possible for Jerry to be exchanged, and meeting the bandmaster, who said rather gruffly—
“Where have you been, sir?”
“To Mr Lacey’s, sir.”
“Ha! I hope I shall find out that this is the truth.”
Dick flushed.
“There is too much lesson-giving, and the band practice is neglected. Be good enough to recollect, sir, that I have reported your conduct.”
“I don’t understand you, sir,” replied Dick.
“I allude to that episode, sir, when you absented yourself from the practice without leave. Your conduct is not what it should be, sir. And recollect this: that a man picked up, as you were, in the street ought to be doubly careful when he has got a lift in life; so have a care, sir—have a care.”
“I am sorry I absented myself, sir,” began Dick, but Wilkins raised himself on tiptoe, and interrupted him.