I found that she had already been assigned to a regular regiment, and to another volunteer regiment, and as it was evident that not more than half of the men assigned to her could possibly get on, I was determined that we should not be among the men left off.

The volunteer regiment offered a comparatively easy problem.

I simply marched my men past them to the allotted place and held the gangway.

With the regulars I had to be a little more diplomatic, because their commander, a lieutenant-colonel, was my superior in rank, and also doubtless knew his rights.

He sent word to me to make way, to draw my regiment off to one side, and let his take possession of the gangway.