We got within breathing distance of the Commando--how many strong ?" "About a couple of hundred, sir." "And of course we bolted back without knowing anything about the troop, except that we are sure that, dead or alive, the Boers have accounted for them.

If you'll agree to this report, we can ride back to Headquarters and I think I can promise you sergeant's stripes in a very short time!" "I agree to the report, sir," said Somers, "because I don't see that I can do anything else.

But to hell with the stripes under false pretences and don't you try playing that sort of thing off on me." "As you like," replied Boyce, unruffled.

"Provided we understand each other on the main point." So they left the farm and rode to Headquarters and Boyce made his report, and as all save one of his troop were dead, there were none, save that one, to gainsay him.

On his story no doubt was cast; but an officer who loses his whole troop in the military operation of storming a farm-house garrisoned by one old man does not find peculiar favour in the eyes of his Colonel.