“And who on earth are you?” was the next question.
“Guides, sir,” was Paterson’s laconic but very proud answer.
“Guides! Is this all the regiment?”
“I should think not!” exclaimed Ted indignantly, and Paterson proceeded to explain his errand.
“Well, are the rest like these?” asked the astonished captain, who was but newly from England.
“Quite as good. You’ll soon see, sir,” Ted confidently assured him, whilst the Pathans slowly looked the Carabineers over from head to foot, and evidently approved of the inspection—a compliment returned by the British troopers. Together they entered the camp.
CHAPTER XV
Ted’s First Battle
General Anson, Commander-in-chief in India, had died a few days previously; his successor, General Barnard, received and read the despatch in silence.