“Oh, very well, then, we’ll say I’m wrong. But never mind that. We’ve done the fighting; the niggers are whopped, and here we are with the streams whispering to us to come and fish, the hills to go and shoot, and the forests and mountains begging us to up and bag deer, bear, and leopard. I shouldn’t be at all surprised even if we came upon a tiger. They say there is one here and there.”
“It is tempting,” said Bracy. “I long for a day or two’s try at something.”
“Even if it’s only a bit of a climb up the ice and snow,” put in Roberts.
“All in turn,” said Drummond. “Well, then, when we go back to mess this evening, let’s get some of the other fellows to back us up and petition Graves to give us leave.”
“No good,” said Roberts; “I know him too well. I have asked him.”
“And what did he say?” cried Drummond eagerly.
“As soon as ever I can feel that it is safe,” said Bracy. “I was there.”
“Oh!” cried Drummond.
“He’s right,” said Roberts. “I don’t believe that we can count upon these people yet.”
“Then let’s have a thoroughly good fight, and whack them into their senses. We’re sent up here to pacify these tribes, and I want to see it done.”