Florian's breath was quite taken away by this intelligence. For a few moments he could scarcely realise the truth of what the general, with great kindness and interest of manner, had said to him. He felt like one in a dream, from which he might awaken to disappointment; and the white tents of the camp, the Ityotyosi that flowed beside them, the woods and distant hills, seemed to be careering round him, and it was only when after a little time he felt the firm grasp of Hammersley's hand, and heard the warm and hearty congratulations from him and other officers, that he felt himself now indeed to be one of them. The first to accord him a 'a salute as Second Lieutenant' (a rank since then abolished) was Tom Tyrrell. 'Let me shake your hand for the last time, sir, as your comrade,' said he. 'Not for the last time, I hope, Tom,' replied Florian, whose thoughts were flashing home to Dulcie, and all she would feel and think and say. An officer--he was already an officer! As his father--or he whom he had so long deemed his father--was before him. His foot was firmly planted on the ladder now, and with the thought of Dulcie's joy his own redoubled. 'Come to the mess tent,' said Hammersley. 'We must wet the commission and drink the health of the Queen after tiffin.' For the first time on that auspicious afternoon Florian found himself among his equals, and the kindness with which they welcomed him to their circle made his affectionate and appreciative heart swell. Hammersley was President of the Mess Committee, and was a wonderful strategist in the matter of 'providing grub,' as he said. A few rough boards that went with the baggage formed the table, and at 'tiffin' that day the _menu_ comprised vegetable soup, a sirloin of beef, an _entrée_ or two, for a wonder, with plenty of brandy-pawnee and 'square-face;' and what the repast lacked in delicacy and splendour was amply made up by the general jollity and good humour that pervaded the board, though, for all they knew, another hour might find them face to face with the enemy. Would either Hammersley or Florian be spared to write to the girl he loved? In the case of Florian it seemed somewhat impossible, especially now, when he had--all unknown to himself--two secret and unscrupulous enemies on his trail, and intent on his destruction. Meanwhile a terrible tragedy, that was to form a part of the world's history, was being acted not very far off from where that jocund circle sat round the board presided over by Hammersley. Sir Evelyn Wood, we have said, was reconnoitring in advance of his column, which was then on the march from Munhla Hill towards the Ityotyosi River. Scattered in extended order among the growing undulations and watercourses, the Horse of Redvers Buller were scouting. Rain had fallen during the night, but the sky of the afternoon was clear, bright, and without a cloud, from the far horizon to the zenith.