"And just between ourselves," sputtered Algy, "I don't believe the officer would lose much by the operation. Have you any idea of the social importance of the Douglas-Fraziers and of the——"
"Oh, hang the Douglas-Fraziers and all their works," uttered Prescott disgustedly. "Algy, are you ever going to become a soldier?"
"You're as bad as the colonel!" muttered Ferrers. "What the Army needs is a little more exact understanding of social life and its obligations."
"Let me help you on with your sword," interrupted Prescott dryly. "You're getting it tangled up between your legs."
"I'm excited, that's why," returned Ferrers. "It all comes of having a colonel who understands nothing of the social life. There; now I'm ready, and I must get away on the bounce."
"I'll walk along with you and explain the nature of your offense of to-day, if you don't mind," proposed Prescott.
Algy Ferrers reported at Colonel North's office and soon came out.
"Now I'm off," cried Ferrers gayly, as he came out again.
"I don't believe you've ever been anything else but 'off,'" murmured Prescott, as he stood in front of headquarters and watched Algy, who was actually walking briskly.
As Lieutenant Prescott stood there Colonel North came out. The younger officer wheeled, saluting respectfully.