"I really beg your pardon, Lieutenant Spencer. We were indulging in a little inter-regimental chaff and abuse. Captain Russell had dared to applaud you rather than his brother at the final burst. And you don't understand how fond we all are of 'The Padre'. He's the regimental horse." "Please don't apologize," Miss Woodburn. "I quite understand and sympathize with you. Indeed, I'm glad you're scorching him, for he needs it. And so he was cheering me in preference to your favourite? He must have most execrable taste." "Thank you, Spencer!" Jim hurriedly and joyfully broke in. "Thanks!... Be grateful, Ethel. Don't you see how very complimentary to you that remark is?" For a few moments Miss Woodburn struggled with her amusement, but laughter mastered her, and she could not speak before Spencer had partially recovered his senses and recognized what a left-handed compliment he had paid her. The Guides lieutenant was far more confused and nervous now than at any time during the steeple-chase. With crimson face he offered reparation. "It's my turn to apologize now, Miss Woodburn. I think you'll forgive me, though. It's my misfortune that I'm not very intelligent." "I couldn't dream of doing so, Lieutenant Spencer," Ethel asserted, still laughing. "You paid me out nicely, and I'm sure you did it wilfully; it was far too smart to be unintentional." "'Pon my honour, I didn't. I'm not half sharp enough to say anything of that kind except by accident. One can't be perfect, you know, and we must take into account that Russell did show poor taste in applauding the inferior horse and rider--especially going against your opinion, though we must acknowledge his perfect taste in at least one respect." "I must forgive you after that, Mr. Spencer, though it was rather crude," said the girl, shaking her head. "And I say, Spencer," Jim interposed, "don't talk about 'inferior rider'. We all know, and Ted knows, that you are a far better horseman than he." "Of course I do," the ensign heartily agreed. "Too much praise isn't good for a youngster," the elder brother sagaciously opined. Spencer placed a hand on Ted's shoulder. "All the same, young 'un, you won the Aurungpore Cup, and you deserved to win." The party of four came to a halt opposite Colonel Woodburn's bungalow. "What time shall we start back for Murdan to-morrow?" asked the lieutenant. "We must leave early," Jim replied. "Will eight o'clock suit?" "Very good," Spencer assented; "the young 'un and I will leave you here." "But you must not think of leaving us yet, Mr. Spencer. Won't you come in? My father would be delighted to know you."