Just then the native servant brought in two glasses of some cool-looking drink, and handed them to his master. "Now, idiot! how often am I to tell you to go to the visitors first?" "Ask pardon, master," said the man; and he brought the brass tray to me, but the lieutenant took his own first. "Health," he said shortly, and half drained his glass. I sipped mine, and set it down as the man left the room. "Let's see; you came over with Brace, didn't you?" "Yes; in the _Jumna_. He advised me to call and see you this morning, as you were out when we came." "Much obliged to him. Fond of shooting?" "I dare say I should be. I have had no opportunity so far." "Fishing, then?" "Oh yes. I have had a little trout and bottom fishing." "Ah! we can give you some mahseer fishing here. Trying after big ones that can pull you in." "Thank you. I shall be very glad." "But you will not have much time yet. Nice grind you've got before you to master your drill." "Yes, I suppose so," I replied. "Don't drink, don't smoke, and I suppose you can't ride?" "Yes, I can ride," I said quickly. "I suppose so--in a riding-school. Wait till you are going at full gallop over the plain, with six or eight guns bumping and jumping after you; you'll find out then whether you can ride. Well, how do you like Brace?" The question startled me. "I--I hardly know yet," I said. "With him long enough, anyhow!" "I thought him very gentlemanly and kind." "Bah! You don't want a man to be gentlemanly and kind. You have got to learn to be a soldier--an artilleryman, not a molly. But, there, don't you be uneasy about that. I'll see that you are not spoiled. Got your servants yet?" "No; there is nothing settled. I have only just come." "No horses, I suppose?" "No. Captain Brace said he would help me to get a couple." "Hum! Deal he knows about horses. Better let me buy them for you. I know just the thing for you: plenty of speed, showy, and grand action-- sort of a charger that wouldn't do for me. Not up to my weight, but it would carry you splendidly. Brace always was the worst mounted man in the brigade. Better try a cigar." I declined again, and sat chatting to my brother-officer till I thought I had been with him long enough, when I rose to go. "What! off already?" he said. "Oh, well, if you can't stay. But you haven't swallowed your drink." I declined that too, feeling that he must be looking down upon me with the most utter contempt; but he said nothing till I had shaken hands. "Then I shall look out for a charger for you?" "Please no; not till I have spoken to Captain Brace." "What for? Oh, he'll be glad to be saved the trouble. That will be all right. You stick to me, and I'll see you through." I left my brother-officer's quarters soon afterwards, feeling very glad to get away, and certainly under the impression that he thought me very stupid and boyish.