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Back again, sir, and filled out and healthier-looking, too! How do you like the life? the latter exclaimed.
I never spent a better or more profitable three months, never in my life, said Phil emphatically. Weve had grand weather, and always fresh scenery. The work was not too hard, and my comrades were all that I could wish for. In addition, I have saved close upon five pounds, which was simply impossible when I was living here.
Ah, glad you like it, lad! But I thought you would; and now I suppose youll be off again soon?
Yes, but not with the van and my old comrades, said Phil. The best I can do there is to become a foreman in charge of a number of cages. I mean to enlist and try my fortune in the army.
Bless the lad! exclaimed the sergeant-major. Hes as long-headed as a lawyer, and always thinking of the future. But you couldnt do better than that. Keep it always in your minds eye and youll get on. Now, what regiment will you go for? Im from the Guards, and of course I say theres none to beat them. Its the truth too, as others can tell you.
Ive been thinking it over, Phil answered, and I have decided to become a Grenadier one of the old Grenadiers.
The sergeant-majors features flushed, and he looked not a little flattered, for he too was one of the Grenadier Guards, and he knew it was because of his connection with it that Phil had decided to enlist in that regiment.
You couldnt do better, sir, he exclaimed, and whats more, by joining them Ill be able to make your start easier. I am not so old but that some of the non-commissioned officers N.C.O.s as we call em remember Owen Williams. Ive many a pal there, and as soon as youre ready Ill take you right along to the barracks and see you listed myself.
A day was fixed, and having learned a few more details, Phil returned to his friends. The latter were genuinely sorry to hear that he was to go, and of all, Jim was perhaps the saddest.
No one to cook the breakfast no more, now youre off, young un, he said, with a ring of true regret in his voice. Never mind; that chap Tonys come back, and Ill turn him on to the job. If he kicks therell be trouble, and then Ill do as I promised yer.
But Jim was disappointed. For three weeks Tony had lain in bed at a hospital, and for the first six days it was a matter of life and death. The bears claws had lacerated his scalp so severely that it was a wonder he survived. But by dint of careful nursing he recovered, and on the very day that Phil had been to see the sergeant-major he returned to the menagerie. But he was a changed man. A double escape from death had cured him of his rowdiness, and when he came towards Phil shamefacedly, offering his hand as though he could not expect it to be shaken, he was filled with deep gratitude for the truly gallant deed that had saved his life.
Phil clutched the hand extended and shook it heartily.
Ah, sir! Tony blurted out, with tears in his eyes, Ive been a real brute, and no one knows it better nor myself. But yer saved my life, Phil Western, yer did, and I aint ungrateful. If youd left me to be torn to pieces it was only what I deserved, for we wasnt the best of friends, and a chap as can torment a dumb animal must expect something back in the end. And now, sir, I hear youre going, and if youll let me Ill come too.
Nonsense, Tony! Phil exclaimed. Youve got a good job, and had better stick to it.
I had one, but I aint now, Phil, Tony replied dolefully. The boss give me the sack, saying Id cost him a good fifty pounds by causing the death of the bear. So Im out of work now, and if youre for a soldier, as they tell me, why, so am I too; and I tell yer Ill stick to yer like a true un if youll let me come, and one day when youre an officer Ill be yer servant.
Phil laughed good-naturedly, and flushed red when he saw that here was one who thought it was within the bounds of possibility that he would attain to the status of officer.
It will be a long time before I shall be that, Tony, he said, with a smile; but if you really have made up your mind to be a soldier, come with me. Theres been bad blood between us up to this, but now well be good friends and help one another along.
Ah, well be friends, sir, good friends too! Ive had my lesson, and I shant need another. Ive acted like a brute up to this, but now I mean to be steady, and I mean to show yer too that I aint bad altogether.
Phil was astonished at the turn matters had taken; but he recognised that Tony had really made up his mind to reform, and at once determined to help him to adhere to that resolution.
Very well, Tony, he said, well enlist together. My month is up to-morrow, and on the following day well take the shilling. Im going to join the Grenadier Guards.
Grenadier Guards or any Guards for me, Phil. It dont make a hapoth of difference so far as Im concerned. Just fix what its to be, and Ill be there with yer.
Then its settled, Tony. Were for the Guards. Come to the house where Sergeant-major Williams lives, at nine oclock the day after to-morrow.
They shook hands, as though to seal the compact, and separated, Phil returning to the van, where he spent part of the day in writing to Mr Western and to Joe, informing them of the step he was taking. To his previous letter Mr Western had deigned no answer, for he was thoroughly upset by its contents, and from that day firmly resolved never again to have any dealings with his adopted son. He was an utter failure and a scamp, and it only needed Joe Sweetmans efforts to defend him to settle the matter.
It is just what I told you would happen, Joe had said defiantly. The lad has spirit, and far from being the rogue you think him, is filled with the desire to see life and make his way in the world. I am not a great judge of character, but if ever there was a youth unfitted for office life, that one is Phil. You have only yourself to thank after all. You have endeavoured to force a profession on him, whereas you should have given the lad an opportunity of selecting one for himself. Mark my words, Edward: Phil will live to do well and be a credit to you, and one of these days you will acknowledge that the step he is taking now was a good one and for the best. Now Ill write to him, and give him a few words of advice.
And this Joe did, sending a characteristic letter, written not to damp Phils hopes, but to encourage him, and let him see that there was one old friend at least who still thought well of him.
Find your own place in the world, Phil, he wrote; and if it is a good one, as I feel sure it will be, there is one who will be proud of you. You start in the ranks, and so fall into discredit among your friends. You are on the lowest rung; stick to it, and we will see where you come out. Meanwhile, my lad, I will send you ten shillings a week, paid every month in advance. You will find it a help, for soldiers want spare cash as well as other people.
At last the morning arrived for Phil and Tony to enlist, and, attended by the sergeant-major, they made their way to Wellington Barracks. Both felt somewhat nervous and bashful, especially when they passed the sentries at the gate.
My eye! exclaimed Tony in a whisper, what swells them coves look! Shall we wear them hats, do yer think?
Of course you will, the sergeant-major, who had overheard the remark, replied. That is the Guards bearskin, and youll learn to be proud of it yet. Its a grand head-dress, and there isnt another half as good; at least thats what I think, though chaps in other regiments would stick up for theirs in just the same way. And youll find, too, that the forage-cap with the red band round it, thats worn well over the right ear well over, mind you, youngsters is as taking a thing as was ever invented.