“‘What’s this?’ he says.
“‘General,’ I said, ‘this boy has saved the regiment; he could a’ run—but he didn’t.’
“‘Who sounded the alarm?’ he sed.
“‘It was him, and the pass is full of Kaffirs.’
“The General stooped down, and looked into the little feller’s face.
“‘Damn you, man,’ he said, turning on me; ‘what did you take him into the wood for?’
“The little chap opened his eyes, and they were fixed, all glazed, on the General, and the officers stood around, looking, and the soldiers in the square.
“The General brought his hand to his cap, then he wheeled round: ‘Ninety fourth—present—arms!’
“The ranks came to a salute, and the officers brought their heels together and their swords up.
“The little chap let his eyes scan the lines.