“And cold as ice,” said the Major, with a shudder. “I tried it in my gutta-percha wash-basin.”
“Oh yes, it was cold,” said Bracy; “but it was like a shower-bath squared and cubed. It came down on my head in tubfuls, sent an electric thrill through one’s muscles, and a good rub sent every trace of stiffness out of my legs. Feel as if I could walk any distance to-day.”
“Well, be patient, old man,” said Roberts, laughing. “I dare say you’ll have a chance.”
“But what’s that you were saying about the enemy?”
“Why, every hill’s covered with them, and they evidently mean to attack.”
“Oh, very well,” said Bracy, beginning upon his breakfast; “then I suppose we must fight.”
There was a laugh behind him, a hand was laid upon his shoulder, and the young man looked up sharply, to see that the Colonel had come up silently over the thick carpet of cedar needles.
“Good-morning, sir.”
“Good-morning—all,” said the Colonel quietly. “All well?”
A chorus of assent ran round the group, and the Colonel continued: