‘You must make up your mind to your disappointment, Herbert. What clue can we get to the marriage after all these years? Everybody who could speak to it is probably dead.’ ‘My father--perhaps he is still alive.’ ‘Would he not have sought us out before this if he had been? But he has never made a sign. Nothing but a miracle could do you any good, my boy. Better be contented as you are. And why should you be cast down? You are young and strong. You have been educated like a gentleman; have made a first-rate start, and have everything before you. Make a name for yourself in the world if you can, and don’t pine after what others might have given you.’ ‘How is a mere sergeant to make himself a name?’ ‘By sticking to his colours and doing his duty like a man. Non-commissioned officers have got to the top of the tree before now. Why should not you?’ ‘If we could only have a chance of service--there’s no other hope for a soldier. But we never have any fighting in these days.’ ‘How do you know? You be ready for the chance when it offers, that’s all you’ve got to do. Get a commission, and you’ll hold yourself as high as Sir Rupert then, and meet him on equal terms.’ CHAPTER XIII. FARRINGTON S’AMUSE. It seemed as if fate had resolved to make Gibraltar the gathering-place of those with whom Herbert Larkins was destined to be most closely concerned. Not long after the rencontre with his best friends, the Larkins’, the news came that General Prioleau had been appointed to the command of the Infantry Brigade upon the Rock. Before the year was out, the former colonel of the Duke’s Own arrived with his wife and little Edith, now fast growing into a beautiful and attractive girl. It was not long before Herbert saw her, and had an opportunity of noticing the change.