“Surely, your honour, it’s better than stone-breaking!”
“I think stone-breaking a very fine occupation.... H’m.... Have you recommendations from your former employers?”
“No, your honour.”
“I can’t take you without a character, my good man.”
“Yes, sir, you’re quite right, sir.”
“Perhaps you’re some good-for-nothing fellow—a thief or drunkard for all I know....”
“Just so, your honour.”
“You must bring me a character.”
“Yes, sir; good-morning, sir.”
The soldier went away. Presently the steward came up to his master and announced—