“You did, Mr. Bateman? You astonish me! And you did it without opposition?”
“Without any opposition to speak of, sir. We had to kill a couple of Boxers, and we were pursued hotly. After we got over the wall one of the men made a splash in the water, and the sentry heard it. But, with those two slight exceptions, everything went off well.”
“But how on earth did you get in here?”
“We got over the wall close by the Americans, and were hauled up by them on our return.”
“Well, sir, you must at once report what you have done.”
“Oh, I would rather say nothing about it at all!” Rex said. “I shall only be questioned about it, and have all sorts of bother.”
“Nevertheless it must be reported, Mr. Bateman. I shall have to account for the issue of thirteen more rations than before, and shall have to explain in my report that these are people who were brought in by you during the night.”
“Well, I only hope that nobody will take the trouble to read your report, sir. I hate being talked about, and as likely as not I should be blown up for going out without orders.”
“Perhaps something will be said about that, Mr. Bateman, but certainly you will get more praise than blame.”
Rex shrugged his shoulders.