A confusion of voices succeeded these; and then by degrees the babel died down, and a single voice made itself heard.

It spoke with easy fluency to the evident appreciation of its listeners, and when it ceased there came another hearty cheer.

Then with jokes and careless laughter the little company of British officers began to disperse.

They came forth in lounging groups on to the steps of the mess-house, the foremost of them--Tommy Denvers--holding the arm of his captain, who suffered the familiarity as he suffered most things, with the utmost indifference.

None but Tommy ever attempted to get on familiar terms with Everard Monck.