"Now, Colonel Graeme," said the latter affably, "we want to hear your plans; but first, I must tell you, you were wrong in proposing to lead the cavalry. As commander of a mixed force, your place is with the guns. You've told Major Kinley, I presume, what you meant to do?"
"I've tried to."
"Tried to, what do you mean? Either you have or have not, which is it?"
"I repeat, I've tried to; but my plan requires me in person to lead."
"By that you mean, I suppose, a field officer in your regiment is incapable? What do you say to that, Colonel Royle?"
"I don't know what Graeme means, sir, I'm sure, Major Kinley's a most excellent officer," answered Royle, who but yesterday had lamented Porky's total want of intelligence to Hector himself.
"I confess that is also my opinion," said Bumps, "he's an officer, with ideas, too, is Kinley, and what's more is both modest and unassuming. Always ready to learn, doesn't think he knows better than his superiors. But about your plans, what are they, Graeme?"
"To attack that ridge where it's highest," answered Hector.
"Really, and how, may I ask, charge it with cavalry?"
"That's my idea."