Three weeks later a brace of orders arrived from the War Department, and there was uproar and excitement among the youngsters in the --th Foot. Full information of course preceded the official announcement, but the very enlisted men grinned with delight when those orders were read on parade, for the story of Plodder's speculation had reached the ranks, where he was no favorite. Divested of their official forms the orders were, first, publication of the proceedings of the court-martial before which Lieutenant Riggs was arraigned and tried, and in accordance with his plea was found guilty and sentenced to be dismissed the service. All of which was approved; but, said the order, "in view of the earnest recommendation signed by the entire court, and concurred in by the commanding generals of the department and of the army, the president has been pleased to remit the sentence, and Lieutenant Riggs will resume his sword and return to duty." Then came the second order from the A.G.O.: "PROMOTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS. * * * * * "--_th Infantry._ "Second Lieutenant John B. Riggs to be first lieutenant, vice Calvin resigned. December 3, 187-. "Second Lieutenant William H. Trainor to be first lieutenant, he being the adjutant. December 3, 187-." And Plodder's hoarded four hundred dollars had really purchased Riggs's promotion. "Bless your generous heart, Plod!" burst out that irrepressible scapegrace Trickett as the officers dispersed after dismissal of parade. "Let me shake hands with you, old man. Now just chip in another four hundred and buy me a file and I'll--" But the rest was lost in the explosions of laughter, under cover of which poor Plodder went raging to his quarters. As for Riggs, he wore his bars for the first time at Park's Christmas dinner, and he wears them yet, only he hates to be spoken of as "Plodder's Promotion." THE END. * * * * * By CAPT. CHARLES KING. * * * * * CAMPAIGNING WITH CROOK, AND STORIES OF ARMY LIFE. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1 25. A WAR-TIME WOOING. Illustrated by R. F. Zogbaum. pp. iv., 196. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1 00. BETWEEN THE LINES. A Story of the War. Illustrated by Gilbert Gaul. pp. iv., 312. Post 8vo, Cloth, $1 25. In all of Captain King's stories the author holds to lofty ideals of manhood and womanhood, and inculcates the lessons of honor, generosity, courage, and self-control.--_Literary World_, Boston. The vivacity and charm which signally distinguish Captain King's pen.... He occupies a position in American literature entirely his own.... His is the literature of honest sentiment, pure and tender.--_N. Y. Press._