"Promotion will come quicker if taken out west than here at the Citadel," said Battersby.
"Sure enough. I gave my word and shall stand by it. If you will form the squares I will speak to Morris now."
The ladies in the carriage had not been inattentive listeners. The unexpected announcement startled the Misses Maxwell. By-and-bye, while the final manoeuvres were being accomplished, Colonel Mason joined them.
"So you are going to send our brave boys away," said Mrs. Mason.
"Yes, a few of them. It will prevent the fellows from rusting, and give those that remain a little more to do."
"Unfortunately, our brightest man is captain of one of the companies you are sending off," said Mrs. Mason.
"That's usually the case. The office seeks the man, and not the man the office," returned the Colonel, with a glance at the occupants of the rear seat. "And men of promise are always favorites with the ladies, I notice."
"If I were a man I'd like to go, too," said Maud. "I only wish I were one."
"I'm afraid you're not tall enough, my dear," said the Colonel, looking gravely into the flashing eyes of the girl. "Five feet five inches is the lowest height at which I could enlist a soldier."
"I would put on high-heeled boots."