“Oh, of all the thick-headed— Here, I won’t get cross, Pete. But you do make me wild. Why didn’t you tell me all this?”
“Too stupid, I suppose, sir. But don’t give me up. I will try better next time. Want to ask me anything now, sir?”
“No. Be off.”
“You don’t mean you are sacking me, do you, sir?” half-whimpered Peter.
“No-o-o-o! Be off. Go amongst the men and pick up every bit of news you can, and don’t shrink—”
“Not me, sir.”
“And what you can’t get from the men, ask any officer you meet.”
“I say, Mister Archie, sir!”
“Say you are asking it for me.”
“That’s better, sir. Then I’m off.”