As major of this regiment, I accepted the offer, and as its major I now command your obedience." "Obedience to whom ?" asked I, speaking again as it were against my will, and frightened by my own voice.
"To me," said he.
"Not to the Germans ?" I asked.

He wore a German uniform, and so for that matter did we all.
"To me," he said again, and he took one step aside that he might see my face better.

"You, Hira Singh, you heard Colonel Kirby make over the command!" Every man in the regiment knew that Colonel Kirby had died across my knees.

They looked from Ranjoor Singh to me, and from me to Ranjoor Singh, and I felt my heart grow first faint from dread of their suspicion, and then bold, then proud that I should be judged fit to stand beside him.

Then came shame again, for I knew I was not fit.
My loyalty to him had not stood the test.