"You are lucky to be taken," one said, "being only a recruit. I suppose it was done so that you might fill the place of your cousin?"
"Yes, that was it. They said that I had a claim; so that, if I chose, I could send money home to his family."
"They are good men, the white officers," another said. "They are like fathers to us, and we will follow them anywhere. We lately lost one of them, and miss him sorely. However, they are all good.
"We are all glad to be going on service. It is dull work in cantonments."
On arriving at the lines of the company, one of them said:
"The risaldar said that you will take your cousin's place. He slept in the same hut as I. You will soon find yourself at home with us."
He introduced Lisle to the other occupants of the hut, eighteen in number. Lisle then proceeded to follow the example of the others, by taking off his uniform and stripping to the loincloth, and a little calico jacket. He felt very strange at first, accustomed though he was to see the soldiers return to their native costume.
"Your rations are there, and those of our new comrade," one of the party said.
Several fires were burning, and Lisle followed the example of his comrade, and took the lota which formed part of his equipment, filled it with water, and put it in the ashes; adding, as soon as it boiled, the handful of rice, some ghee, and a tiny portion of meat. In an hour the meal was cooked and, taking it from the fire, he sat down in a place apart; as is usual among the native troops, who generally have an objection to eat before others.
"Those who have money," his comrade said, "can buy herbs and condiments of the little traders, and greatly improve their mess."