The difficulty is to choose."
"I have been thinking it over, Smallfield, and have decided to promote
Hyde. Send for him."
Colour-sergeant Hyde, erect, self-possessed--a pattern soldier in
appearance and propriety--presently marched in and stood respectfully
at "attention" before his superior.
"Sergeant Hyde!" said the colonel, abruptly, "I am going to make you a
sergeant-major."
"Thank you, sir," said Hyde, saluting; "I had rather not take it."
"Heavens above!" cried the colonel, fiercely. He was of the old
school, and used expletives freely. "You must be an idiot!"
"I am sensible, sir, of the honour you would do me, but--"
"Nonsense, man! I insist. I must have you."
"No, sir," said Hyde, firmly, "I must decline the honour."
"Was there ever such an extraordinary fellow? Why, man alive! it will
reinstate you--"
"I must beg, sir," said Hyde, hastily interrupting, and looking with
intention towards the adjutant.
"Yes, yes! I understand," said the colonel. "Leave us, Mr. Smallfield;
I wish to speak to Sergeant Hyde alone."
"You have my secret, Colonel Blythe," said Hyde, when the adjutant had
left the room, "but I have your promise."
"I was near forgetting it, I confess; but I was so upset, so put out,
at your cursed obstinacy. Why will you persist in keeping in the
background? Accept this promotion, and you shall have a commission
before the year is out.
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