“Why?” said Roberts sharply.
“Because it might be a false one, sir.”
“Better give a dozen false alarms, my lad, than miss a real danger. Now, then, what did you see?”
“Well, sir, if we was at home I should say it was a drove o’ sheep or a herd o’ pigs; but these hill-niggers are so artful and ready to be down upon us that I fancied it might be men.”
“Men haven’t four legs,” said Drummond, laughing softly.
“No, sir; but these Dwats don’t think anything o’ going down on all-fours.”
“But there have been none about lately,” said Drummond; “the rain seemed to be too much for them.”
“Yes, sir; but ain’t they the more likely to come down on us when they think we believe we’re safe?—Change guard, sir.”
For steps were heard, and a party of men came up smartly, were challenged, and the non-commissioned officer in charge answered.
“That you, Gee?” said Roberts.