CHAPTER XXII.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XI, Issue 9, 22 June 1883, Page 7

CHAPTER XXII.

Maurice's new duties engaged .all his attentisn for some weeks, during which he had but little time to think of other things. Harold's wounds incapacitated him from further active service for the present. He bad the pleasure, however, of knowing as soon as he was able to receive the intelligence, that his braveiy had been highly com* mended at headquarters ; that his name had received distinguished mention in the dispatches ; and that as soon as he ha had recovered from his wounds and was able for active service, promotion awaited him. Whatever time Maurice was able to spare from his duties was spent in attendance at his bedside. Many a time they discussed the fall of the gallant Nolan, and mourned his early death. Many a time also they discussed Craighome and wondered that no letter had come from Grace. At last, when he was capable of being removed, be was borne to Balaclava, where temporary hospitals on the heights above the harbour had been erected. Maurice bad accompanied the ambulance that bore his friend, had seen him safely lodged and provided with all the comforts his state needed, and with that ministering attendance which it was impossible he conld get amid the turmoil and confusion of the front. He had reached the new quarters to which his new position had assigned him, when, just as he dismounted from his horse and handed the reins to his orderly, Briney appeared at the door. " What's up now, Briney ? " said the former, as he noticed a peculiar expression on the face of his attendant. " Come in, Maurice. There's some wan waitin' for yon," 11 Some one waiting for me I Who is it Briney ? " " Come in and see." Maurice hastily entered. 11 What I— Frank!" (To be continued,)