“But it isn’t quite that, sir,” said the lad. “I can’t help thinking—”
“Think, then, sir, but don’t bother me.”
“I can’t help it, sir,” whispered the lad excitedly.
“What do you mean, Mr Murray?” said the officer, alarmed by the lad’s excitement. “Don’t say you are wounded too?”
“No, sir, and I don’t think that Titely has got anything worse than a scratch.”
“Eh?”
“Feel here, sir. The spear has gone right through the bandolier and his shirt from the front and gone out through the shirt and bandolier at the back, running all up a bit.”
“Well, but what about the poor fellow’s flesh and bone?” said the officer excitedly.
“I think it’s only gone through the skin, sir.”
“Yes, that’s right,” said the man. “I telled Mr Murray, sir, as I didn’t think I should bleed much if he pulled the skewer out.”