This misadventure did not, however, terminate the war. On the contrary, rat-hunting became a favourite pastime during the voyage down the Red Sea. Our hero, of course, took his turn at the fighting, but we believe that he never received a medal for his share in that war.
They spent one Sunday on the deep, but the only record made of it in the journal of the soldier from which most of our facts are gathered is that they “had prayers in racing style—against time!”
As if to cleanse themselves from the impropriety of this act the soldiers had a grand washing of clothes on the following day, and the day after that they arrived at Suakim.
“It is what I call a dreary, dismal-looking town,” said Miles to Armstrong, as they approached.
“Might be worse,” replied his friend.
“Ye aye tak a cheery view o’ things, Airmstrong.”
“An’ what for no?” asked Sutherland.
“You may well ask why not,” said Sergeant Hardy. “I think it wisest to look always on the bright side of things.”
“Whether it’s dreary or pleasant we’ll have to make the best we can of it, boys,” said Stevenson; “for this is to be our home for some time to come.”
“Horrible!” growled Simkin, whose spirit was essentially rebellious.