I was born out here.

My father was a captain in the 32nd Punjabis, and was killed in an attack on a hill fort.

That was some months ago, and I remained with the regiment, whose quarters had always been my home, until there should be an opportunity for my being sent down to Calcutta." "Well, it is very decent of the War Office to give you a commission; though, of course, it is the right thing to do--but it is not often that they do the right thing.

Your regiment did some sharp fighting on their way up to Chitral, but of course you saw nothing of that." "Yes; I accompanied the regiment." "The deuce you did!" the colonel said.

"I wonder you managed to get up with it, or that Colonel Kelly gave you leave.