Part 17 (2/2)

”Well, we always are.”

”Yes; but to be on the _qui vive_ as to ammunition, tents, baggage, and provender.”

”Oh!” e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed d.i.c.k, and his eyes kindled as he sat there upon a knoll with his troop, gazing round at the two or three native regiments, a squadron of cavalry, and the foot artillery and their heavy guns, which had taken part in the field-day.

”It may be only a false alarm,” said Wyatt, ”but I thought you'd like to know; only you mustn't begin to howl about feeling hot and tired if we have any real work to do, nor yet think about running away.”

d.i.c.k bit his lip, and then said huskily, ”Am I likely to feel disposed to run away?”

”Perhaps so, the first time.”

”Did you?”

”What?” cried Wyatt fiercely, as he turned upon the calm, imperturbable face looking in his. ”Did you mean that as an insult, Mr Darrell?”

”No,” said d.i.c.k, his eyes twinkling with mischievous exultation. ”Did you?”

”Got me!” said Wyatt, shaking his head and chuckling softly. ”Hist!

look out. Here comes the general.”

Captain Hulton gave the word, and in an instant the men were rigid in their saddles, with the line as regular as if they were on parade, for a little knot of hors.e.m.e.n came cantering up, the general and his staff a short distance behind.

He drew rein in front of the troop, and sat talking to the captain for a minute, and then walked his horse slowly along the line, keenly examining everything.

At the end of the line he turned and rode back, and this time d.i.c.k, who had often felt annoyed at the want of recognition on the part of his father's old school-fellow and friend, flushed with pleasure, for Sir George checked his horse.

”Ah, Mr Darrell,” he said quietly, ”you there! Getting used to the rough work?”

”Yes, Sir George.”

”That's right. You seem to have a good mount.--How do, Mr Wyatt?”

He backed his horse a few yards, stopped, and raised his voice so that the whole troop could hear:

”Very good indeed, my lads. Capital.”

Then he turned his horse and rode away, followed by his staff.

”He didn't say much,” said d.i.c.k in a low tone.

”Soldiers never do say much,” replied Wyatt; ”but I never heard him say so much before. My word! Old Hulton will be pleased.”

”I say, though: do you really think there is something on the way?”

”Yes. Are you sorry?”

”Sorry? No. I shall be delighted. It will be such a change.”

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