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130 "—and pointed it at Horace's head.

"‘You drink that rum, or I blow out your brains,' growled the Colonel, taking out his watch. 'I give you two minutes.'

"‘May I spend it in prayer, Sir?' asked the boy, 'for I shall never drink that rum.'

"The Colonel swallowed hard and nodded, and the officers turned away.

"Horace said his prayers, and as he finished up, 'Please bless Colonel Jones, and make him a teetotaller,' the Colonel could bear it no longer. Throwing his arms round Horace, he burst into tears and hurried from the room.

"It was a cruel joke and in a way it brought its punishment, though Horace forgave him. That night the Colonel became a teetotaller and all the officers signed the pledge" "Blimey!" whispered Bobball under his breath.

"—Shortly after, the Colonel caught a chill and was taken very ill indeed. The doctor was sent for.

"‘What you want is a glass of good hot rum,' said he.