My time before I joined was taken up with learning the use of arms, equitation, and certain dry studies under an abbe.

I wish now that instead of Latin I had learned something of military history; it seems to me that when one is intended for the army it is a good deal more important than Latin or theology." "I fancy, de Lisle," his companion said laughing, "that from what I know of you your objection was not so much to the course of study as to study altogether.

I know that that was my case." "Well, perhaps so; still, I might as well have been whipped into learning something useful, instead of something that, so far as I can see, will never be of any value whatever.

Were you born over here, lieutenant ?" "No, I was born in Scotland; but my father, who was a younger son, saw no chance of making his way by his sword at home.

It was certain that James would never go to war, and as there was no regular army, there seemed no opening for a penniless cadet in England or Scotland, so he came over here and obtained a commission, and as soon as he did so sent for my mother and myself.