"Indeed, sir?" "They have been receiving reinforcements, and the blacks bring word in that they have now two more guns. There will be plenty of chances for you to show that you are no coward, and that before many hours are past." "Do you mean, sir, that I can take my place in the company?" "I do." "Thank you, sir. Something within me seems to urge me to hold aloof, for the coldness I have experienced since the doctor said I was fit for service is unbearable." "Would not standing upon your dignity, Lennox, and letting your comrades face the enemy, look worse than manfully taking your place side by side with the men who are going forward to risk wounds or death?" "Yes, sir; much," said Lennox, flushing. "I will live it down." "Shake hands, Lennox," said the colonel, holding out his own. "Now I feel that you have been misjudged. Those were the words of a brave man. Mind this: the matter must be properly heard by-and-by, but let it remain in abeyance. Go and live it down." The young officer had something more to say, but the words would not come; and the colonel, after a glance at him, turned to a despatch he had been writing, and began to read it over as if in ignorance of his visitor's emotion. "Oh, by the way, Lennox, one word before you go. About this man May. Have you ever given him any cause to dislike you?" "No, sir, I think not. I must own to always having felt a dislike to him." "Indeed," said the colonel sharply. "Why?" "I would rather you did not ask me, sir." "Speak out, man!" said the colonel sternly. "Well, sir, I have never liked him since he obtained his promotion." "Why?" "I did not think he deserved it so well as some of the other men of his standing." "Humph! Let me see; he was promoted on Captain Roby's recommendation." "Yes, sir; he was always a favourite with his captain." "Have you been a bit tyrannical--overbearing?" "I have only done my duty by him, sir. Certainly I have been rather sharp with him when I have noticed a disposition on his part to hang back." "Perhaps he has never forgiven you for saving his life," said the colonel, smiling. "Oh, surely not, sir." "I don't know," said the colonel. "But think a minute." "I was certainly very sharp with him that time when we explored the cavern, for that was one of the occasions when he hung back as if scared. But no, no, sir; I will not suspect the man of accusing me as he has through spite. He believes he saw me run, no doubt. But I did not." "There, Lennox, you've had a long interview, and I have my despatch to write up. I have plenty to worry my head without your miserable business. Now, no rashness, mind; but I shall expect to hear of you leading your men in the very front." "If they will follow me, sir, I shall be there," said Lennox quietly. "If they will not, I shall go alone." CHAPTER THIRTY FIVE. COMPANY AT DINNER.