Brown-faced, grey-haired man. There are no troops, and the better for you. The strength of Aliwal is in its weakness. (To fat man.) Put that gun away.
Thin-faced man, thick-set man, and general chorus. Yes, put it away.
Thin-faced man. But I want to know why the Boers are armed and we aren't? Why does our Government—
Brown-faced man. Are you accustomed to shoot?
Thin-faced man (faintly). No.
Fat man (returning from putting away Lee-Metford). But where do you come from?
Brown-faced man. Free State, same as you do. Lived there five-and-twenty years.
Thin-faced man. Any trouble in getting away?
Brown-faced man. No. Field-cornet was a good old fellow and an old friend of mine, and he gave me the hint—