“I'd get off, sir, if I were you,” he said, “until the next one comes. Quick, sir, I hear it now.”
Barry needed no second invitation. He flung himself headlong into the ditch beside the young fellow, but the shell dropped into the field beyond.
“That's as near as I like 'em,” said the young officer, scraping the mud off his clothes. “My poor, old gee-gee got it though.” He drew his revolver and shot the wounded animal. “It's hard on the horses. You see, they can't dodge,” he added.
“I say, my boy,” said Barry, for the lieutenant was only a boy, “that was a near thing for you. What are you going to do now?”
“Oh, just carry on,” said the boy. “The relief will be along in a few hours. Beastly mess, eh?” he continued, but whether he referred to the disembowelled horse or the state of his own uniform, Barry could not say.
“You are sure you are all right?” said Barry, as he shook hands with him. “I'm awfully glad you weren't hurt.”
“So am I,” said the boy heartily. “Awfully rotten to be potted out here playing a bally policeman, eh? What? Well, good luck, sir,” and Barry rode off to join his column with a deep admiration in his heart for the English school boy who, when war began, was probably a fifth form lad, in whose life the most dangerous episode would be a ball taken full off bat at point, or a low tackle on the Rugby field.
At Divisional Headquarters, they met the general, who after a conversation with the O. C. greeted Barry warmly.
“So you have gone and done it, young man. Well, I admire your nerve, and I congratulate you. I happen to know the family very well. As a matter of fact there is some remote connection, I believe. By the way, I have a communication from London for you,” he added, drawing Barry to one side, and giving him a little slip. “I happen to know about it,” he continued, while Barry was reading his telegram, “and say, if I can be of any assistance, I shall be very glad. It's a step up, you see. I have no doubt it can be put through quite easily and quickly, and I believe the step is coming to you.”
Barry stood with his eyes upon the dispatch. It was an offer of a hospital appointment at the base, and carried with it his majority.