“I trust that no British officer would act as you allege, Ensign Russell,” said the general coldly. “At present I can say nothing more, and I am very busy. Rest assured that justice will be done.”
Ted saluted stiffly, and walked out. If he had felt dazed on the previous occasion, what were his feelings now? Full of indignation against his dishonourable messmate, and of intense disappointment because of the probable loss of the coveted honour, he strode back to the Gurkha picket, and told Jim and Paterson what had happened.
They could hardly credit the story. They both knew Tynan’s character, and Alec had heard Ambar Singh’s free version of the incident, and they felt no doubt regarding the result of any enquiry.
“Don’t be downcast, Ted, old boy,” said Jim affectionately. “It will soon be all right.”
“But who can the native officer be?” Alec wondered. “It’s a mystery.”
“I can’t make it out,” Ted replied. “Anyway Ambar Singh and Dwarika Rai will give evidence, and then where will Master Tynan be?”
“But look here, Ted,” said his brother in an agitated voice. “Where are those two? They may have been drafted into some other regiment and sent a thousand miles away, or both may be killed. Or they may have been allowed to return home, and have left no trace. In that case it would be your word against Tynan’s, and though no one who knows you both could have any doubt, yet his word will be as good as yours at the enquiry. I do hope it will come out all right, old boy.”
“I’m sure it will,” said Alec. “Cheer up, Ted!”
More easily said than done, and our ensign went about his work with a heavy and angry heart. Fortunately for his peace of mind, when the news spread, Boldre, Collins, and all his chums rallied round him, and voted the absent Tynan a beast and a liar.