"That black patch on your forehead ought to add a thousand a year to your marketable value." The next morning Ralph marched with his detachment, and arrived at Cork without adventure.

Here he handed his prisoners over to the civil authorities of the jail, and then marched up to the barracks.

He at once reported himself to the colonel, who congratulated him warmly upon the success that had attended the capture, and upon his own conduct in the affair.
"I will not keep you now," the colonel said, "for the mess-bugle sounded five minutes ago.

I shall see you again in the morning." As Ralph entered the messroom the officers had just taken their seats.
He was greeted with a boisterous outburst of welcome.

His comrades got up and shook his hand warmly, and he had to answer many inquiries as to how O'Connor and Desmond were going on.
"Sit down, gentlemen!" the major who was president of the mess shouted.