A real outburst of applause greeted this announcement, but the captain held up his glass and raised his voice for silence.
"And I have the further pleasure to tender to Mr. Smith-Wentworth, at his Majesty, George the Fifth's, express command, the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery upon the field of battle."
"Let us drink his health!" he finished above the congratulatory uproar that broke out on the announcement.
The men held their goblets at arm's length.
"Here's to you, Wentworth!" "To your deserved honor, my boy!" "To your well-earned promotion, Wentworth!" they chorused heartily.
In the lull of drinking, Madden lifted his water to his friend.
"Here's to the remittance man," he proposed solemnly, "who vanishes to-night and leaves a Man."
Caradoc's long face was deeply moved as he looked into the eyes of the youth whose life Providence had so intimately entwined with his own. After a moment he responded steadily enough, "With all my heart, Madden. And here's to the land which you taught me how to serve, my country—my home—Old England!"