Chapter 40 | Winding Up | A Dash From Diamond City

The adventures of Oliver West and his friend Ingleborough were pretty well at an end; and it was time, for between wounds and exposure they had been brought to a state which necessitated plenty of rest and comforts to enable them to quite recover themselves. Of feasting, praising, and complimenting they had their fill—more than enough, West said, for he declared that the hues of returning health which were coming into his cheeks were only blushes caused by the way in which people talked about his bravery, dash, “and all that stuff.”

Ingleborough took it all more contentedly.

“I don’t mind their praising us!” he said. “Frankly, I rather like it; and, without bragging, I think we did earn it all!”

“Well, we did run some risks!” said West; “and of course it’s much nicer for our friends to know that we escaped and are alive and well.”

“And a jolly deal nicer for us too. But what do you say to joining the army? After what the General said I think we might both get commissions.”

“Perhaps,” said West; “but it’s doubtful now that everything is settling down. I feel disposed to invest my share of the loot and to stop on with the company after the splendid offer they have made me. Hadn’t you better do the same?”

“I’m nearly half disposed to, Noll,” replied Ingleborough; “but more than half inclined to go into the police altogether. I’ve had an invitation, and I think the life would suit me better than settling down to a desk. Yes, this settles it! I shall go on to Norton and say ‘Yes.’”

“Well, I’m sorry,” said West; “but at the same time I’m glad, for you’ll make a splendid officer!”

“Here, hold hard! I don’t want to hear you begin puffing me. By the way, you heard the news about Fatty Anson?”

“No, not a word!” cried West excitedly.

“Promoted.”

“Nonsense! What a shame!”

“It’s a fact, my lad! He has just received his commission in Mrs Partington’s Brigade.”

“What!” cried West. “Oh, this is some bit of chaff!”

“Oh no!” said Ingleborough, laughing. “It’s a fact. The regiment employed by the old lady to help her keep out the Atlantic with a mop.”

“Bah! You mean that he has been sentenced with other convicts to help to build the Cape breakwater?”

“Good boy! Quite right! For five years!” replied Ingleborough.

“Well,” said West thoughtfully, “I suppose he deserves it, and I hope he will become a better fellow when he has served his time.”