“Any one touched?” cried the Captain.
“No, sir; no, sir.”
“I think that chap were, sir,” whispered Gedge, who was reloading close to Bracy’s side. “I didn’t have much time to aim, sir, and the smoke got a bit before my eyes, but he dropped back precious sudden. But oh, dear me, no!” he went on muttering, and grinning the while at his comrades, “I didn’t see no one up there. I’d got gooseb’ries in my head ’stead of eyes. Now then, look out, lads; it’s shooting for nuts, and forty in the bull’s-eye.”
“Hold yer row; here’s the Colonel coming,” whispered the man next him.
“Keep well under cover, my lads,” said Bracy as the clattering of hoofs was heard.
“Right, sir,” said one of the men.
“Why don’t you, then?” muttered Gedge.
“Silence, sir!” snarled Sergeant Gee, who was close behind.
“All right,” said Gedge softly; “but I don’t want to see my orficer go down.”
For, regardless of danger, while his men were pretty well in shelter, Bracy was standing right out, using a field-glass.