Part 11 (1/2)
In the darkness of the barrack wall there were more than a thousand men, women and children, s, and by the gate was a guard of twenty men drawn up to keep the crowd at bay The shrill voices of the women drowned the answers of the native officer as well as the noise of the approaching wheels, and the guard had to advance into the road to clear a way for its colonel
The native officer saluted and grinned
”Is it true, sahib?” he shouted, and Kirby raised his whip in the affiran to make more noise than the crowd beyond the wall
Kirby whipped his horse and took the drive that led to his quarters at a speed there was no overhauling He wanted to be alone But his seniorby his outer door
”Oh, hallo, Brammle Yes, come in”
”Is it peace, Jehu?” asked Brao No, no route yet-likely to get it any minute”
”I'll bet, then Bet you it's Bombay-a P and O-Red Sea and Marseilles! Oh, ouldn't be light cavalry? First-class all the way, first aboard, and first crack at 'e out, and Warrington's going with one If anybody asks for me, tell him I'll be back soon Tell the men”
”Somebody's told 'em-listen!”
”Tell 'em that whoever misbehaves from noill be left behind Give 'e else, sir?”
”No”
”Then see you later”
”See you later”
The major went away, and Kirby turned to his adjutant
”Go and order the closed shay, Warrington Pick a driver on't talk Have sorub sent in here to me, and join me at it in half an hour; say fifteen s to see to”
Kirby wanted very much to be alone The less actual contact a colonel has with his men, and the more he has with his officers, the better-as a rule; but it does not pay to think in the presence of either Officers and ht, a man in whose voice is neither doubt nor hesitation
Thirtyfrom a brown study
”India's all roots-in-the-air an' dancin'!” he remarked cheerfully
”There was a babu sittin' by the barrack gate who offers to eat a Ger as we'll catch 'em for him He's the same man that was tryin' for a job as clerk the other day”
”Fat man?”
”Very”
”Uh-h-h! No credentials-bad hat! Send hiuard did”