"Yet, just as sure as you're alive, Ferrers, the day will come, and before long, when you'll wish yourself back once more among the regulars' uniforms."
"Maybe," sniffed Algy doubtfully.
An orderly appeared in the doorway, yellow envelope in hand.
"Telegram for Lieutenant Ferrers," he announced.
"Right here, my man. Thank you."
Algy tore open the envelope, after apologizing, and glanced at the bottom of the message.
"It's from the guv'nor," he announced. "I expect he's getting ready to kill the fatted calf against my arrival home."
Then Algy fell to reading the message. As he started his brows puckered. Once he gasped. Then, at the end, he burst forth:
"My, but the guv'nor seems almost annoyed," cried Algy, his face reddening.
"Anything serious?" inquired Holmes politely.