“Yes. What about him?” cried Tom eagerly.
“Him that was down here, sir, and I fetched the ladder for to get in yonder.”
“Then it was you, Pete?”
“Oh yes, sir; I helped him. I was a nice boy then. You’ll hardly believe it, but he’s in my company—a soldier. Private R.A.”
“My cousin?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And is he getting on well?” said Tom.
“Hum! ha!” said the sergeant stiffly. “He gets into trouble too often. I don’t think he’ll earn his stripes just yet. Good-morning, sir, and good-bye. But—”
“Yes, Pete.”
“Would you mind shaking hands, sir—once?” Tom’s hand darted out.