"I am the staff officer of the town commandant. What can I do for you?"
Intelligence Officer. "What I want is the telegraph-office."
Staff Officer. "Certainly, sir; but what do you belong to? Are you with the main column?"
I. O. "Dear me, no. I have just come in from the New Cavalry Brigade!"
S. O. "Yes; we are expecting you. You are to camp on the south side of the town. Just under the parapet of those defences. Those are our southern defences. What do you think? Brand had the impertinence to send in last night and demand our immediate surrender. That we, Britstown, should surrender——!"
I. O. (brutally) "And did you? Look here; you will have to wait until the general comes in for your camping arrangements. All I want is the telegraph-office."
S. O. "Of course we did not surrender. Why, we have made this place impregnable. There are three companies of my regiment here, to say nothing of the local town-guard."
I. O. "Oh, hang the town-guard! You trot along and find the chief of our staff. I have other things to think about. By the way, has the rest of the New Cavalry Brigade come in here? The Mount Nelson Light Horse—they are marching from Hanover Road?"
S. O. "No; but there is some ox-transport for you with the Supply column. How far back is your general?"
I. O. "About three miles. Thanks." (Intelligence Officer and the Tiger canter on.)