“Yes, about being so brave, and bringing the Kimberley despatch through the Boer lines.”
“That was not flattery. You did bring the despatch to its destination very bravely.”
“So did you!” said West sharply.
“Oh, very well, so did I then! It was we if you like! Being buttered is not an unpleasant sensation when you can honestly believe that you deserve it; and, without being vain, I suppose we can feel that our consciences are at rest.”
“Never mind that!” said West hurriedly. “I don’t like being buttered, as you call it. The chief said then that he should have to send another despatch back to Kimberley, and that he should ask us to take it.”
“What a cracker!” cried Ingleborough.
“Cracker—lie? I declare he did!”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Very well!” said West stiffly.
“No; it is not very well! Come now, he didn’t say anything about us. He said you. Confess: the truth!”