'Thanks—I have my own,' said Colville, struggling into a sitting position. 'Mary and Ellinor Wellwood told me of the step you had taken—a very rash one I think it—when you failed in your studies through the mischief wrought you by that scoundrel Sleath.'
'So you met them?'
'Yes—and left them well and every way, I hope, happy.'
'It is an unexpected pleasure to see you here, sir.'
'My poor fellow, if I can befriend you, I shall, believe me,' said Colville, shaking Robert's hand.
'Thank you, Captain Colville; my officers and comrades like me already, thank God; and I am now a corporal.'
'They are right who assert that there is nothing certain but the unexpected,' said Colville, laughing, yet wincing the while with pain; 'and this meeting with you has been most unexpected by me.'
'But not by me, sir.'
'How so?'
'I have seen you in and about Jellalabad for days and weeks past.'