There was no answer, till a trooper replied:—
'Carter Sahib is forward—not there. There is nothing behind us.'
'There is,' said the subaltern. 'The squadron's walking on it's own tail.'
Then the Major in command moved down to the rear swearing softly and asking for the blood of Lieutenant Halley—the subaltern who had just spoken.
'Look after your rearguard,' said the Major. 'Some of your infernal thieves have got lost. They're at the head of the squadron, and you're a several kinds of idiot.'
'Shall I tell off my men, sir?' said the subaltern sulkily, for he was feeling wet and cold.
'Tell 'em off!' said the Major. 'Whip 'em off, by Gad! You're squandering them all over the place. There's a troop behind you now!'
'So I was thinking,' said the subaltern calmly. 'I have all my men here, sir. Better speak to Carter.'
'Carter Sahib sends salaam and wants to know why the regiment is stopping,' said a trooper to Lieutenant Halley.
'Where under heaven is Carter?' said the Major.