them as strangers, seeing that Scotland and France have ever been allies, and that our Queen Mary was a French princess.  And now that Scotland has given kings to England, and English troops fought side by side with the French under Henry of Navarre against the Spaniards and Guises, and, although not in strict alliance, are alike enemies of the Spaniards, we can scarce feel ourselves as strangers here.  Besides, is not a French princess wife of King Charles?

“I do not say that either England or France has altogether forgotten the long wars between them, but that is a very old story now, and as long as Spain threatens to extend her power over all Europe, so long are we likely to remain good friends.  If the power of Spain is once broken, old quarrels may break out again, but I trust that that will not be in my time, for assuredly the regiment, although willing to fight against all other enemies of France, would refuse to march against our countrymen.  Now, Sergeant MacIntosh, I know that you must be anxious to get back to your inn.  You will have a busy time this afternoon unless I am greatly mistaken.  Leave Campbell with me.

“In the first place, it will be as well that he should not be down there, for the fun is likely to get fast and furious.  There is not a man in the regiment who knew his father but will be drinking the lad’s health, and it were better that he should go tomorrow through the barracks and shake their hands, than that he should be among them there.  You can tell them that I have taken the boy off, so that they may not think that he stayed away on his own account.  We will see him fitted out.  It is a matter that touches the honour of the regiment that the son of our old comrade should make a fair show in the household of the viscount.”

“The general has left me a purse for that purpose, colonel.”

“It was a kindly thought, but let the lad start with it in his pocket.  It is our duty to see that he has everything befitting his father’s son.”

As soon as the sergeant left, the colonel said, “Now, Campbell, do you go into the anteroom.  I shall be ready to go out with you in half an hour.”

Orderlies were then despatched to the various officers’ lodgings, and in a few minutes they assembled.  The colonel told them what had happened, and said that in his opinion it concerned the honour of the regiment to see that their comrade’s son was properly equipped.

All those who had known Captain Campbell were greatly pleased with the news, and there was not a dissenting voice when the colonel proposed that there should be a general subscription of two days’ pay.  He himself, however, and Captain Campbell’s friends, gave a much larger amount, and the total was amply sufficient for the equipment of a young man of good family joining the army.  Hector was then called in and informed of what had taken place, and heartily congratulated by the officers.  He was greatly affected by their kindness and the proof of the estimation in which his father had been held.