Ted was becoming nervous and feeling very lonely. Though assured he was in the right, the boy could not but feel unhappy.
The batteries of the Mori Bastion once more commenced their horrible work. Round-shot and grape whistled overhead.
“What does it matter to you, young man, whether you obey the command or not?” asked the tall man harshly. “That bhisti will be flogged just the same; he won’t benefit by your refusal.”
“No, that he most certainly won’t!” asserted the major with a repulsive laugh. “Nor will he thank you for your interference.”
“I’m an officer, not a hangman,” said Ted stoutly.
“Well, you will not be an officer long,” declared the major.
The stranger had approached, and now stood by their side.
“If you won’t obey him,” he said in tones of authority, “you must obey me! I order you to place that man under arrest,” pointing to the major. “Do you hear me, boy?” as Ted hesitated in his bewilderment.
The major swore furiously. “Who on earth may you be? What do you mean by this impertinence, you drunken civilian?”
The tall man took not the slightest notice. He looked at the boy with stern set face, and there was something in his look that enforced obedience. Still doubtful, but unable to resist the tone of authority, Ensign Russell stepped towards the bully, saying: