_Sergeant Western, who was captured at the Alma, escaped from the enemy, and, taking part with his comrade in the memorable charge of the Light Brigade, rescued and brought out a wounded trooper. For this act of bravery he has been appointed an ensign in the 30th Foot_. The paragraph ended: _Lieutenant Western's comrade, who was promoted to corporal, resigns that rank_. In a state of huge excitement Tony managed to secure a copy of the order, and rushing up to Phil, presented it with an elaborate salute and a face which worked with emotion. "Congratulations, sir," he said hoarsely. "You're ensign in the 30th Foot." Phil hastily glanced at the order, and for the moment felt dizzy, for here, long before he could have expected it, was a commission. Clutching Tony by the hand, he shook it warmly, while tears rose to his eyes. "Thanks, my dear old friend!" he murmured, with a catch in his voice. "At length I have obtained what I wanted. But it will make no difference to us. Promise me that, Tony. We have been comrades so long, let us continue so, and if you still wish to be my servant, as you have often declared, why, come, by all means; I shall be more than glad to have you." "Spoken like a true 'un, mate," growled Tony, sniffing suspiciously, and glaring round as much as to say that if anyone were even to suggest that emotion had got the better of him, he would do unutterable things. "Beg pardon, sir, Colonel's compliments, and will you go over and see him now," said a stalwart orderly, approaching at this moment and saluting with such smartness that Phil nearly jumped out of his skin. It was a moment of intense pleasure to all the fine fellows standing round. Here was a comrade who by his own bravery had obtained a commission from the ranks. They were intent on doing full honour to him, and though the strange anomaly of seeing an old friend, bearing sergeant's stripes, saluted as an officer caused many to indulge in a secret grin, yet it was his right now, and they were determined upon seeing he had it. Utterly bewildered, Phil made his way to the colonel's quarters, where he received more congratulations. "There now, we won't worry you any more," said the colonel kindly. "The adjutant will tell you what to do in the way of uniform, and, Western, my lad, remember this, the Grenadier Guards will always welcome a visit from you." At this moment the adjutant took Phil into his tent. "Of course you must get some kind of uniform," he said. "I dare say there will be no difficulty in obtaining the kit of one of the officers of the 30th killed at the Alma. I will send over and enquire. Meanwhile you can do as you like: mess with us, or go back to your old comrades for the night." Phil looked at his tattered and mud-stained garments. "I think I'd rather do that," he said. "Once I have the proper kit I shall feel more like an officer. At present I can scarcely believe it."