Part 66 (2/2)

”No, not a word!” cried West excitedly.

”Promoted.”

”Nonsense! What a shame!”

”It's a fact, my lad! He has just received his commission in Mrs Partington's Brigade.”

”What!” cried West. ”Oh, this is some bit of chaff!”

”Oh no!” said Ingleborough, laughing. ”It's a fact. The regiment employed by the old lady to help her keep out the Atlantic with a mop.”

”Bah! You mean that he has been sentenced with other convicts to help to build the Cape breakwater?”

”Good boy! Quite right! For five years!” replied Ingleborough.

”Well,” said West thoughtfully, ”I suppose he deserves it, and I hope he will become a better fellow when he has served his time.”

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