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We couldnt ha been luckier, Phil, could we? remarked Tony, with a grunt of satisfaction, as the two stood on the parade-ground waiting for the bugle to sound the Fall in. I said weeks back as Id stick to yer through thick and thin, and here we are, yer see, both in the same company, and always falling-in alongside of one another. But it wont last long, mate, and dont you go for to try and make believe it will. I aint so blind as I cant see that before long youll wear a corporals stripes. All the fellers says the same, and its bound to be true.
I must say I hope it will, Phil replied cheerfully. It is my aim and object to become an N.C.O. But we neednt think of parting, Tony. Well still be in the same company, and if we dont stand side by side, we shall be close together in the barrack-room. Besides, you may get the stripes sooner than I.
Me, mate? Thats a good un! There aint a chance.
You never know, Tony; and although it seems far away now, it will come, especially if you always keep out of trouble, as you have done up to this.
Yus, it might, Tony agreed, after a long pause. Every chap gets a chance, they say, and Ill see if I cant win them stripes just to show yer, Phil, that Ive stuck to me oath. And it wont be getting into trouble as will lose em for me. I used to be a regular wild un, but Ive given that up months ago; besides, I heerd Sergeant Irving a-saying only a few days ago that the chap as was quiet was bound to get on. Whats the good of larking about as some of these idjuts do? he says. Them as drinks is certain to get into trouble, and come before the colonel, and what good does it do em? They loses their chance of promotion, and they ruins their health. Besides that, they goes down the quickest when the troops is on active service.
Yes, that is very true, I believe, Phil answered. But to return to the stripes. You must win them, Tony, and if only you stick to your work I am sure you will succeed. Then in the course of time youll be made sergeant, and later perhaps become sergeant-major. What a fine thing it would be! You would have a good pension to look forward to, and one of these days could end your service while still a young man, but with the comfortable feeling that you were provided for for life.
Hum! thats flying away to the skies, mate, Tony chuckled, but theres plenty of time to see, and look up! there goes the bugle.
Both lads fell in with their company, now dressed in all the pride of bearskins and whitened belts and pouches, and having been duly inspected, marched stiffly erect out through the barrack-gate, up Sheet Street, and into the famous old castle.
Many a time did Phil stand motionless by his sentry-box, looking over the terrace-wall at a scene not to be surpassed in any other quarter of Her Majestys wide dominions the green fields of Berkshire, with old Father Thames winding hither and thither amongst them, now flowing placidly along between banks of shimmering corn and grass, and anon swirling past with a splash and a gurgle which broke up the reflections of boats and houses brightly mirrored on its surface. Then, sloping his gun, he would march across in front of the terrace gardens and the windows of the royal apartments, and, turning his eyes in the opposite direction, admire the three miles of absolutely straight and undulating road, lined on either side by its double row of grand old oaks and beeches, and ending in a green knoll, surmounted by a pile of masonry, on which is set a large equestrian statue familiarly known as the Copper Horse. Away on either side the wide stretches of the park would attract his attention, while far beyond the town, appeared the faint blue and reddish band which marks the position of Windsor Forest.
Many times, too, whilst on sentry-go, did he stand as rigid as his own ramrod, heels close together, and gun at the present, as the Queen and the Prince Consort with their children sauntered by. He had even exchanged words with them, for, attracted by his height, and possibly persuaded by the pleading of the infant princes, the Prince had stopped in front of our hero and questioned him as to his age and his parentage. The remarkable manner in which he had been adopted appealed to their curiosity, and before long they had learned Phils story.
When not for guard, Phil and Tony generally managed to find plenty of occupation in their spare hours. In the winter there were long walks to be taken, and in the summer there was the river, a never-failing source of enjoyment, and in those days far less crowded than in this twentieth century, when excursion trains, bicycles, and tooting steam-launches have done not a little to mar its pleasant peacefulness. Hard by the Brocas boats could be obtained, and here a number of soldiers were to be found every afternoon, idling by the river-side and gazing at the youth of Eton disporting on the water, or themselves seated in boats sculling up and down the stream.
Phil and Tony were occupied in this way one hot summer afternoon, and having sculled up to the Clewer reach, rowed in to the bank, and made fast there for a while.
Its mighty hot, young un, aint it? remarked Tony, wiping the perspiration from his forehead. Phew! it is hot! Why, if we was bound to row these boats, wed hate the sight of the river. What do yer say to a snooze?
Just the thing, Tony. Its too hot for any kind of exercise, so lets tie up and wait an hour; then we can pull up to the lock and down again. Itll be time for tea then.
Accordingly the two laid in their paddles, and stretching themselves on the bottom of the boat beneath the shade of an overhanging tree, soon fell asleep, lulled by the gentle ripple of the water. An hour passed, and still they slumbered placidly, the wash of a big boat as it slipped by them failed to rouse them. They heard nothing, and even the hoarse chuckles of a few comrades on the bank above them did not disturb them.
What say, Jim? Shall we let em go? grinned one.
Yes, send em along, Tom. Itll be a proper joke to watch em when they wakes up and looks about em, was the answer. Now, shake off that rope, and pitch it into the boat. So oh! Gently, man! Shove em off as quiet as if they was babies in a cradle.
It was a huge joke to those upon the bank, but upon the unconscious occupants of the craft it was wasted. They stirred neither hand nor eyelid, but, locked firmly in the arms of Morpheus, glided down the river, totally unmindful of the shouts which followed them and of the angry Boat ahead! Where are you coming to? Steer to the left! which was hurled at them on more than one occasion. Suddenly a louder shout awoke Phil, and, sitting up with a start, he stared around, his eyes wide-open with astonishment, to find that he and Tony were drifting in midstream past the Brocas, and were already within 50 feet of the bridge.
Why, were adrift! he exclaimed in a bewildered tone. Here, Tony, wake up or we shall be on the bridge!
Eh, what! grunted Tony, rubbing his eyes. Adrift! Whats that row about?
The shout which had aroused Phil was repeated at that moment and, taken up immediately, assumed a perfect roar, in the intervals of which a loud clattering as of wheels rapidly passing over cobble stones, and the stamp of horses hoofs were heard.
Sounds like a cart or something coming down the street, said Phil. Look out, Tony, somethings wrong!
As Phil spoke the clatter of hoofs and wheels became deafening, and before either could realise what was happening, two maddened horses dashed on to the bridge, dragging a carriage after them in which a gentleman was seated. On the back of one of the beasts was a postilion, and before Phil had time to exclaim, Its a royal carriage! the vehicle had collided with a cart coming in the opposite direction, there was a crash and a sound of breaking woodwork, and next second rider and passenger were shot as if from a catapult over the low rail of the bridge into the water.