Crack, crack came from Archie’s revolver as he fired it twice in the direction of the spear-thrower, an answering yell suggesting that one of the shots had had effect.
“There, keep a sharp lookout, and only fire when you are sure,” said Archie as he made for the door, striking against the bamboo shaft of the spear. “This didn’t graze you, did it, Smithers?”
“No, sir. I was afraid you had got a touch by your whipping out your pistol so quickly. But please, sir, don’t tell my missus to go into shelter. She likes a job like this, and she’s very useful with a basin and sponge.”
“All right; all right,” replied Archie; and hurrying away, he took the mess-room on his way to the post he was about to visit, and stepped to where a faint light rose from behind a Japanese screen which shut off one corner of the big room.
There he came upon the Doctor busy over one poor wounded fellow whose head was resting upon the arm of a kneeling woman, who held a sponge in the hand at liberty, while a great brass lotah of water was at her side.
“Very useful with basin and sponge,” said Archie to himself, as he smiled grimly.—“Can I do anything for you, Doctor?” he said.
“Not unless you have come to help, my lad.”
“No, sir; I can’t do that.”
“Well, you can stop some of these scoundrels throwing these abominable spears.”
“Not till daylight, I’m afraid, sir; and I fear that this light will be seen outside.”