Brigadier. "Well, there is not much of De Wet left in this corner of the world. All the commandoes[35] of the Hunt seem to have forgathered here and to be having a day off. What a hole of a place—ideal, no doubt, from the Dutchman's point of view. Why, the smell of it reaches up here. But here comes a robber in a pink 'beaver'; we shall soon know all about it."
A diminutive boy in staff kit cantered up and demanded information about the column.
Staff Officer. "What column is this?"
B. "The New Cavalry Brigade."
S. O. "Never heard of you. Who told you to come in here? Who commands you?"
B. "Steady, my fledgling, one question at a time. You are given to heaping matters, I see, which is a bad habit in one so young. I will answer one of your questions, the last one. I command this column: and now you will answer me. What columns are in Hopetown?"
S. O. "Sorry, sir, but——"
B. "Don't apologise. I know I don't look like a general, but it doesn't help you out of your difficulties to say so. You only slip into it worse every time; now, then, to the columns?"
S. O. "Knox's, Pilcher's, Plumer's, and Paris's."
B. "Good; and what is the latest news about De Wet?"