‘I can’t help that,’ replied Napper impudently. ‘I must have a horse that’s used to trumpet and bugle, and a good nag too, as I’m the colonel’s orderly. I’ve got permission from the riding-master. Of course, if you can override his decision I’ve nothing more to say.’ ‘You’ve said quite enough as it is,’ growled Barrymore. ‘I’ll see Captain Norreys about it.’ He went off, and Jack saw him talking to the captain of his troop, the two going off to find the riding-master. Presently Barrymore, his face wearing a look of annoyance, came striding back. ‘I’m sorry, Blair,’ he said; ‘but it seems Corporal Napper has represented that yours is the only horse in the regiment up to the work he wants it for. He’s made a special point of obtaining it, and the riding-master has consented. Captain Norreys went to see him; but having given his word the riding-master won’t alter it.’ Napper grinned. ‘Just take her over to our troop-lines,’ he said to Jack. ‘You take her yourself,’ said Sergeant Barrymore; ‘Blair’s got something to do for me.’ Jack could have cried with grief and vexation when he saw Napper take hold of Dainty’s headstall and lead her away. The horse, too, seemed to resent it, for she suddenly bared her teeth and made a grab at Napper’s arm. He, however, dodged back and gave the mare a sharp blow across her velvet muzzle with the back of his hand. ‘I’ll cure you of biting, you brute,’ he said as he tugged savagely at her headstall, and Jack walked away, for he feared if he saw any more he should throw caution to the winds and give Napper the thrashing he deserved. That night more transports arrived, having another cavalry regiment aboard, and the first thing in the morning their disembarkation was commenced. As the first troop, having got all their horses and baggage ashore, marched up towards the camp, Jack saw the regiment was one of Hussars, and as they were passing him he heard his name shouted out, ‘Blair, Blair, shure it’s the bhoy himself;’ and, looking up at the trumpeter who rode behind the officer leading the troop, Jack saw the roguish eye and laughing features of Larry O’Callaghan. ‘Hallo!’ cried Jack, ‘I didn’t know this was your regiment.’ ‘You can always reckon that the ould 8th are where there’s work to be done,’ said Larry. ‘Come and hunt me up when ye’ve a minute, and tell us all about this land of haythens.’ Directly Jack was free he went over to the Hussars’ lines. ‘And how are you, Larry?’ he said, shaking the Irish trumpeter’s hand. ‘Never so happy in all me loife,’ replied Larry. ‘And how ‘a that little mare that jolly nearly cooked your pigs for you at Chobham?’ Jack’s face fell when he spoke of Dainty, and he told Larry what had happened. The Hussar gave an angry exclamation. ‘Bad cess to that Napper; he ‘s a baste,’ he cried. ‘But there, on active service ye need never be bothered for long with a man who bullies ye.’ ‘What do you mean?’ asked Jack.