He had a report to make to his colonel, and an important despatch to carry to the commander-in-chief.

Then there was the ammunition to be served out among his men, and he had to superintend the process.

And there were the plans for next day's assault to be talked over with his brother officers, and the various detachments for that duty to be selected.

So that Charlie was a busy man that night.

But with what a light heart he laboured! Among his occupations he did not forget the gold watch, but had the satisfaction of making Paddy the happiest man (but one) in the camp.
Thus, first with one thing, then another, the night wore on; and, when towards morning he lay down on his camp bed for a hurried rest, he fell asleep like a child, whistling one of the old Randlebury songs, and with me, as of old, under his pillow.
At the first note of the bugle he sprang from his couch, and putting me in my old abode, next his heart, sallied out to see the preparations for the advance.