The regiment was on the point of falling in, on the parade ground, when Desmond Kennedy rode up.

Leaping from his horse, he threw the reins to his servant.
"Take them both round to the stables, and put them in spare stalls, Mike.

I will get leave off parade for both of us, and ask the surgeon to dress your wounds properly." Then he went up to the colonel, who was just entering the barrack yard.
"Colonel O'Brien," he said, "I must ask your leave off parade, for, as you see, I am scarcely in a condition to take my place with my company." "So it would seem, Mr.Kennedy.You have been in trouble, I see.
Nothing serious, I hope ?" "Nothing at all, sir, as far as I am concerned.

It is merely a graze from a pistol ball." "Well, I must hear about it, afterwards." "I must also ask leave off parade for Callaghan, my servant, sir.
He is hurt a good deal more than I am, though not, I hope, seriously." The colonel nodded.

"I will send the surgeon to your quarters, and he will see to you both." As Desmond left the colonel, his two chums came up.
"Why, Kennedy, what on earth have you been doing to yourself?
This is what comes of gallivanting about after dark.