I was walking with Johnny Dacre up Adderley Street, dun with kahki, when he met his brother Reginald, who was promptly introduced to Johnny's second in command.

Reggie was off to hospital to see one of his men who had been badly hurt.
"It's the chap," he said to his brother, "who was with Boyce through that shady affair at Vilboek's Farm." "I don't know why you call it a shady affair," said I, somewhat acidly.
"I know Captain Boyce--he is a near neighbour of mine at home--and he has proved himself to be a gallant officer and a brave man." The young fellow reddened.

"I'm awfully sorry, sir.

I withdraw the word 'shady.' But this poor chap has something on his mind, and everyone has a down on him.

He led a dog's life till he was knocked out, and he has been leading a worse one since.