"Of course, I cannot report your adventure in full, but can merely say that Lieutenant Bullen, whom I had reported killed, was wounded and taken prisoner by the Pathans; and has managed, with great resource, to make his escape and rejoin the force.

Your last adventure, sir, showed remarkable courage; and this time you have proved that you possess an equal amount of calmness and judgment.

If you go on as you have begun, sir, you will make a very distinguished officer." During the day Lisle had to repeat his story, again and again, to the officers of other regiments; who came in to congratulate him on making his escape, and to learn the particulars.
"I shall have," he said, laughing, "to get the printing officer to strike off a number of copies of my statement, and to issue one to each regiment.

There, I think I would rather go through the adventure again, than have to keep on repeating it." He had received a hearty cheer, from the regiment, when he appeared upon parade that morning; a reception that showed that he was a general favourite, and that sincere pleasure was felt at his return.
Lisle had been known among the men as 'the boy' when he first joined, but he was a boy no longer.

He was now eighteen; and had, from the experiences he had gone through, a much older appearance.
He learned, on the evening of his return, that he was now a full lieutenant; for there had been several changes in the regiment.
When in cantonments other officers had joined, junior to himself; and four or five had been killed during the fighting.
"If this goes on much longer, Mr.Bullen, you will be a captain before we get back to India," one of the officers said.
"I am sure I hope not," he replied.