CHAPTER IX.
"_The best-laid schemes o' mice and men Gang aft agley._" BURNS They didn't find Jim in the camp of his regiment, so went up to head-quarters to institute inquiries.
"Given ?" a little thought and investigation.

"Oh! Given is out on picket duty." "Whereabouts ?" The direction indicated.

"Thanks! we'll find him." Having commenced the search, Surrey was determined to end it ere he turned back, and his two friends bore him company.

As they came down the road, they saw in the distance a great stalwart fellow, red-shirted and conspicuous, evidently absorbed in some singular task,--what they did not perceive, till, coming to closer quarters, they discovered, perched by his side, a tin cup filled with soap-suds, a pipe in his mouth, and that by the help of the two he was regaling himself with the pastime of blowing bubbles.
"I'll wager that's Jim," said Surrey, before he saw his face.
"It's like him, certainly: from what I've heard of him, I think he would die outright if he couldn't amuse himself in some shape." "Why, the fellow must be a curiosity worth coming here to see." "Pretty nearly." Surrey walked on a little in advance, and tapped him on the shoulder.
Down came the pipe, up went the hand in a respectful military salute, but before it was finished he saw who was before him.
"Wow!" he exclaimed, "if it ain't Mr.Willie Surrey.

My! Ain't I glad to see you?
How _do_ you do?
The sight of you is as good as a month's pay." "Come, Given, don't stun me with compliments," cried Surrey, laughing and putting out his hand to grasp the big, red paw that came to meet it, and shake it heartily.