Our hero was by this time beginning to find out that the life of a private soldier, into which he had rushed, was a very different thing indeed from that of an officer--to which he had aspired. Here again pride came to his aid--in a certain sense,--for if it could not reconcile him to his position, it at all events closed his mouth, and made him resolve to bear the consequences of his act like a man. In the morning he had to turn out before daylight, and with a small band of men similarly situated, to muster in the drill-shed a little after eight. Thence they marched to the doctor's quarters. It was an anxious ordeal for all of them; for, like most young soldiers, they were enthusiastically anxious to go on active service, and there was, of course, some uncertainty as to their passing the examination. The first man called came out of the inspection room with a beaming countenance, saying that he was "all right," which raised the hopes and spirits of the rest; but the second appeared after inspection with a woe-begone countenance which required no interpretation. No reason was given for his rejection; he was simply told that it would be better for him not to go. Miles was the third called. As he presented himself, the doctor yawned vociferously, as if he felt that the hour for such work was unreasonably early. Then he looked at his subject with the critical air of a farmer inspecting a prize ox. "How old are you?" he asked. "Nineteen, sir." "Are you married?" Miles smiled. "Did you hear me?" asked the doctor sharply. "You don't need to smile. Many a boy as long-legged and as young as you is fool enough to marry. Are you married?" Miles flushed, looked suddenly stern, squared his shoulders, drew himself up with an air that implied, "You won't catch _me_ tripping again;" and said firmly, yet quite respectfully-- "No, sir." The doctor here took another good look at his subject, with a meaning twinkle in his eye, as if he felt that he had touched a tender point. Then he felt his victim's pulse, sounded his chest, and ordered him to strip. Being apparently satisfied with the result of his examination, he asked him if he "felt all right." Reflecting that his mother had often told him he was made up of body, soul, and spirit, and that in regard to the latter two he was rather hazy, Miles felt strongly inclined for a moment to say, "Certainly not," but, thinking better of it, he answered, "Yes, sir," with decision. "Have you anything to complain of?" asked the doctor. The mind of our hero was what we may style rapidly reflective. In regard to the decrees of Fate, things in general, and his father's conduct in particular, he had a decided wish to complain, but again he laid restraint on himself and said, "No, sir." "And do you wish to go to Egypt?" "Yes, sir!" was answered with prompt decision. "Then you may go," said the doctor, turning away with an air of a man who dismisses a subject from his mind.