"Send an orderly up to his quarters, Major."
"Very good, sir."
But, as both major and colonel had suspected, Ferrers wasn't in his quarters. Nor was he anywhere else on post apparently.
It was five o'clock that afternoon when Lieutenant Ferrers, in civilian dress, passed the guard house in returning on post.
"Wanted—at the adjutant's office—am I?" queried Algy. "Oh, yes; I imagine I am. Queer place, this Army."
With a sigh of resignation, but appearing not in the least alarmed, Ferrers went to the office of the regimental adjutant.
"You've been away again without leave, and skipped battalion drill and several other duties," said the adjutant dryly.
"Yes," admitted Ferrers promptly. "But I've got a good excuse."
"You'll find Colonel North in the next room ready to hear what your excuse can be."
"I suppose he'll scold me again," murmured Algy resignedly.