I did persevere, and felt proud to do my best for such a man. My nerves were stronger, and my ideas more collected, than when subjected to the abuse of the corporal; the result being that the sergeant frequently applauded me. I soon became the leader of the "gulpin's" ride, a post always allotted to the most intelligent recruit. Having passed through the ordeal of riding without saddle, as also in a saddle without stirrups, I was allowed to ride with a sword. By this time I had learnt the sword and carbine exercise on foot--had, in fact, gone through my "facings," and been drilled to marching, etc, for two hours every day in the barrack-yard, under the immediate instruction and supervision of the "drill corporal," "drill sergeant," "regimental sergeant-major," and "adjutant." At length, being considered quite perfect as a rider in the saddle, I commenced my drills with the sword and carbine on horseback, loading and firing the latter at a fast canter, "attack and defence," "pursuing practice," etc, with the sabre; finally being put through all the difficult manoeuvres of the "double ride," and the high school of equitation, leaping lessons, etc, until I was considered fit to rank as a soldier, and do my duty as such. Eight months had now elapsed since my enlistment, and I was much more reconciled to my soldier's life; and now that I was a full-fledged hussar, I began to grow conceited. My appearance had undergone a complete change for the better: I could both _ride_ and _walk_, and no mistake.