“Yes, father.”
“Look at yourself in the glass. You look a pretty pattern, don’t you?”
“Yes, father.”
“I told you to look at yourself in the glass. Why don’t you?”
“Because I know every scratch and bruise thoroughly by heart, father.”
“But—” began the Colonel.
Here Singh interposed.
“It wasn’t his fault, sir,” cried the boy. “It was mine. He didn’t want to fight, and said he wouldn’t.”
“Ho!” said the Colonel. “Said he wouldn’t fight, did he.”
“Yes, sir, and he actually let the big bully hit him.”