He had, however, when he joined, spoken frankly to him.
"I have asked for you, Morrison," he said, "simply for the sake of your father; but I tell you frankly, that unless my report is a thoroughly favorable one, you are not likely to be again employed.

I was told that there was nothing special against you, but that in no case since you passed have you been warmly spoken of.

It has been said that you know your duty well; but they had privately learned that you were fond of liquor; and although no charge of absolute drunkenness had been brought against you, it was considered that you would not make a desirable officer in a higher rank.

Now your future depends upon yourself; if you have the resolution to give up the habit, you may yet retrieve yourself.
If I find that you do so, I shall certainly take the opportunity of giving you a chance to distinguish yourself, and shall strongly urge your claim to promotion.

If I am not able to do this, you must make up your mind to be permanently put upon the shelf." The admonition had not been in vain, and since joining the Serpent Morrison had made a successful effort to break himself of the habit.