meekly obeyed her, "and McGillicuddy 'll hear from me when he comes
home to-night!"

Mrs. McGillicuddy then, with Kettle walking in advance, his head
hanging down, followed with the After-Clap and took the way to the C.
O.'s quarters, where the baby, much to his disappointment, was again
laid in his crib and Kettle was promised terrors to come like those of
the Day of Judgment.

McGillicuddy, standing in the moonlight among the riderless horses and
grinning troopers, forestalled criticism by handing out a card on which
a legend was inscribed in large letters.

"Boys," said the Sergeant, solemnly, "there's my rule for all married
men in the service and out av it. It's the Golden Rule of married
life, boys, and it ought to be added to the Articles of War and the
Regulations. Here it is, boys, 'Doant munkey with the buzz saw.'"


Meanwhile, within the vast riding hall the splendid pageant was taking
place. The lofty roof was hung with flags of all nations entwined with
ropes and wreaths of Christmas greens and crimson and gold electric
lights. In the middle of the roof, dark and high, hung a great silken
flag of the United States, with the electric lights so arranged as to
throw a halo of glory upon it. The galleries were full of officers and
ladies in brilliant ball costumes for the ball that was to follow.
Under the galleries the soldiers and their families were massed. Over
the wide entrance door was the musicians' gallery, where the regimental
band, and Neroda, their leader, a handsome Italian, with their gleaming
instruments, made a great splash of vivid color against the sombre