And yet, though he kept up a cheerful appearance, Lisle's heart was often very heavy.

The sight of the British officers continually recalled his father to his memory.

But a short time back he had been with him, and now he was gone for ever.

At times it seemed almost impossible that it could be so.

He had been his constant companion when off duty; had devoted much time to helping him forward in his studies; had never, so far as he could remember, spoken a harsh word to him.
It seemed like a dream, those last hours he had passed by his father's bedside.