"Well, you shouldn't remain like that, if you don't want to get your head blown off."
My next sentry hour began at nine in the morning; I was standing on the banquette when I heard Bill speaking. He was just returning with a jar of water drawn from a pump at the rear, and he stopped for a moment in front of Spud Higgles, one of No. 4's boys.
"Mornin'! How's yer hoppin' it?" said Spud.
"Top over toe!" answered Bill. "Ow's you?"
"Up to the pink. Any news?"
"Yer 'aven't 'eard it?"
"What?"
"The Brigadier's copped it this mornin'."
"Oo?"