They were not long before they found the cafe that was set apart for the use of officers and, on entering, Terence at once joined a party of three, belonging to a regiment with all of whose officers he was acquainted, as they had been encamped next to the Mayo Fusiliers during the long months preceding the advance up the valley of the Tagus.

Ryan was, of course, equally known to them; and the three officers rose, with an exclamation of surprise, as the newcomers walked up to the table.
"Why, O'Connor! How in the world did you get here?
How are you, Ryan?
I thought that you were both prisoners." "So we were," Terence said, "but as you see, we gave them the slip, and here we are." They drew up chairs to the little table.
"You may consider yourself lucky in your regiment being on the river, O'Connor.

You will be much better off than Ryan will be, at Portalegre." "I am seconded," Ryan said, "and have been appointed O'Connor's adjutant, with the temporary rank of captain." "I congratulate you.

The chances are you will have a much better time of it than if you were with your own regiment.

I don't mean now, but when the campaign begins in the spring.