The wily coper began to see that his customer was no ignorant griffin, so he changed his tone, dropped his protestations, and finally brought out a couple of serviceable beasts, not showy, but strong and in good condition. Ted at once declared that they would suit, and named the sum he was prepared to give; and the Afghan, seeing that it was "take or leave", ceased to haggle, and closed the bargain, not dissatisfied with the profit he had made. Kasim Ali led the steeds away. "Must go and say good-bye to Ethel and the colonel next," said the ensign to himself. Colonel Woodburn and his daughter had remained in Lahore after the unsatisfactory conclusion of the trial, in order to be able to give the lad any advice or assistance within their power. They were staying with a civilian friend of the colonel, towards whose bungalow Ted turned his horse's steps. The news that he had been cleared was already out, and Ethel waved her hand joyously as he hove in sight. Sending a servant to take the horse, she motioned the ensign to join her in the verandah. "I am delighted, Ted!" she began. "Do you feel like a free man again?" Ted sank luxuriously into the easy-chair. "Ethel," he said with unwonted seriousness, "I feel like the man in the _Pilgrim's Progress_, whose burden has rolled from his shoulders. I suppose you have heard how the truth came out?" "Yes; Lieutenant Kendal has told us the whole story this morning. But what has become of Tynan? What is to be done with him? Poor lad! he's had a harder time than you, Ted." "Yes," Ted slowly answered, "I know he has. I'm sorry for him, and I don't know what has become of him. I don't think that Sir John has been hard upon him. Perhaps he's been able in some way to give him another chance. Sir John was very kind to me." "They say he is stern, but I've never found him so.---- Well, father, here's the innocent victim of conspiracy, righted at last, and let off on condition that he won't do it again." Colonel Woodburn and his host had entered the verandah. They congratulated Ted, and Mr. Moncrief added: "You'll have tiffin with us, Mr. Russell? Make yourself at home here while you stay in Lahore." "You're very good, Mr. Moncrief, but I'm leaving in a few hours. I'll stay to lunch, though, thanks!" "That's right. Where are you going, then?" Ted related the offer made to him by Sir John, and expressed his delight at the prospect. He had come to say good-bye. "Colonel Boldre is a very nice man," Ethel said meditatively. "Father knows him well. I suppose you're an ensign no longer, then? I am glad to meet you, Lieutenant Russell." Ted laughed. "It's a promotion in a way, I suppose," said he, "but I'm not gazetted lieutenant yet." "You soon will be, though," Colonel Woodburn assured him. "Your appointment is practically equal to promotion. Boldre is a good soldier. I wish I were equal to it." "Do you still suffer any pain from the wound, colonel?" Ted asked.