In Fassifern’s tent Stuart was duly dubbed knight of Saint James, having as such the privilege of wearing his bonnet in presence of the king of Spain. As soon as the hasty ceremony was over, the Spaniards sprung to their saddles and departed, leaving Ronald with the cross on his breast amid a circle of his brother-officers, who, with their congratulations, threw in sundry dry jokes. For many months afterwards he was known among them as "the knight of Santiago," seldom receiving any other name except when on duty. Jokes must be furnished for mess and parade, and Ronald’s cross was a standing one. He became, however, a greater favourite with the colonel and regiment. He was esteemed by the officers and beloved by the soldiers, who would, as they emphatically said, "storm hell’s yetts to serve him." Than British soldiers, none know better how to appreciate the good qualities of an officer who treats them well, and their love, esteem, and confidence, which cannot fail being of service to the officer himself, are easily gained by kindness and affability. Nor was Saint James’s cross the only piece of good fortune that Ronald obtained. He had returned to his tent, where he sat finishing his letter for Lochisla, and regretting bitterly that he was unable to send another for Inchavon, when Alister came in with a newspaper in each hand. "I congratulate you, Sir knight of Santiago de Compostella; the saints are propitious to you certainly, or the Horse Guards at least. Lisle has sent me these papers up from the castle of Belem, from which place he was just about to set out on his return with a detachment of convalescents. Look you here." "What! any more orders of knighthood?" "Something more substantial. ’War-office, 24th—no, 28th foot, Lieut. Dalbiac to be captain, _vice_ Paget, killed in action. Ensign Stuart, from the 92nd Highlanders, to be lieutenant, _vice_ Dalbiac." "Ha! is it really possible?" exclaimed Ronald, springing up. "Quite, and a most lucky dog you are. You may thank Almarez and Sir Rowland Hill for this. He recommended you for promotion, you know." "The 28th is an English regiment—" "The gallant slashers." "I should be sorry to leave the Highlanders,—one of our most dashing national regiments." "Your taste appears to be consulted admirably. Look at this _Gazette_ in the next paper. ’92nd Highlanders.—Brevet-major Colin Campbell to be major, _vice_ Macdonald, appointed to the 8th Garrison Battalion; Lieut. Macdonald to be captain, _vice_ Campbell; Lieut. Ronald Stuart, from the 28th foot, to be lieutenant, _vice_ the Honourable Sholto Douglas, who exchanges." "Excellent!" exclaimed Stuart, as they shook hands. "I shall be with you still: Cameron has planned this matter, surely. But this Honourable Sholto,—I have never had the pleasure of seeing him."