"Ah, my lads!" he said gaily, "we have heard of you already, and your friends, I guarantee, will give you a lively welcome. Let me tell you that the affair of the flag has gone through the allied camp. Lieutenant McNeil wrote a letter with all the particulars, and had it passed through to as by the courtesy of the Russian general I expect that there will be something waiting for you, and you thoroughly deserve it. As for this other matter, I shall take it in hand. You are a gallant fellow, Corporal Western, and saved that man's liberty if not his life. Now I must be off, but some day I shall hope to hear all about the escape." "Can you tell us where the Guards are?" asked Phil, after having thanked the officer. "Over there, Corporal;" and he pointed to a force of men returning along the Chersonese heights. "The First Division marched out early in the morning, and by cutting across here you will reach camp almost as soon as they do." The officer rode off, and Phil and his friend turned their tired animals to the heights and rode for the Guards' camp in silence, their thoughts too much occupied by what they had heard to allow of speech. Sundry deep chuckles, however, told that Tony at least was immensely pleased at something that had occurred. Half an hour later, looking more like beggars than Guardsmen, they rode into the camp. "Let's ride straight up to our own mess and get something to eat," suggested Tony. "I am fairly empty, and longing for some grub." But the sight of two tattered Guardsmen riding through their lines was too much for their comrades. "Why, who are they?" they shouted, rushing forward to meet them. Then, recognising them, a man in Phil's company cried at the top of his voice, "Hi, come along, mates! Blow'd if Corporal Western and his pal ain't come back to us. Where do yer come from, Corporal? And what's happened to yer both since yer was taken?" Men rushed forward and plied them with questions, and then, becoming enthusiastic, they lifted the two young fellows from their saddles and carried them shoulder-high through the camp. It was a hearty greeting, for the men were anxious to do full honour to their two comrades who had gained distinction at the Alma. Very soon the babel had roused the officers, and before Phil and his friends could well collect their scattered senses, they were standing stiffly in front of the colonel and his adjutant, war-worn, weary and bedraggled, but for all that holding their heads erect, and quivering with excitement. "What's this? What is all this noise about? Who are these two men?" the former asked abruptly, gazing at them searchingly and failing to recognise them. "They are the corporal and man who helped to rescue Lieutenant McNeil's colours, sir," the adjutant replied, looking at them proudly. "They belong to the regiment."