Thereupon he told two men off to fetch the poor beggar, and I felt sorry for him when he appeared tottering, though supported by the two Legionaries.
As already explained, the banyan tree and the bushes masked the pagoda gateway, so that these movements could not be seen by the enemy.
"He'll do," said the corporal. "You two men hold on to him, and help him to keep up. Here you"—this to another tirailleur—"tell him to run his best when we go."
This was explained; and he nodded, mumbled, and would have started off alone if he had not been held. He seemed in a hurry to get away, and we all laughed.
"Now," said our chief, "the Brigade will retire by echelons." Then, with a grin and a bow to me: "You, monsieur, will cover our withdrawal with your battalion. When you hear a volley from us, double out and rejoin with your party. Good luck to you!"
"Bonne chance!" I replied, and went back to my men.
A couple of sharp orders, and the others clattered by at the double. The next minute the enemy's fire broke out with renewed vigour. They probably thought that everybody had left, for no bullets came our way.
Crash! went our volley at them, but they still kept it up: the running white men were too tempting a target.
I waited half a minute, and ordered independent firing of four cartridges per man, and joined in the fun.