I only hope that we shan't be chosen to take their place." There was a general exclamation of disgust at the suggestion.
"Well, someone must stay, you know," he went on in deprecation of the epithets hurled at him; "and why not our regiment as well as any other ?" "Because I cannot believe that after luck has favoured us so long she will play us such a trick now," Frank Mallett said.

"Besides, the other regiments have done something in the way of fighting already while we have not fired a shot; and I think that Sir Colin would be more likely to choose the 75th, or, in fact, any of the other regiments than us.

Still if the worst comes to the worst we must not grumble.

Other regiments have had weary times of waiting, and it may be our turn now.

Your suggestion has come as a damper to our spirits, and, as I don't mind acknowledging that I am dog tired with the march, after not having used my legs for the last seven or eight weeks, I shall try to forget it by going off to sleep." Making a pillow of his cloak, he lay down on the spot where he was sitting, his example being speedily followed by the rest of the officers.
The next morning the troops were on the march early, but they were not to reach the Alumbagh without opposition, for on passing a little fort to the right they were suddenly attacked by a small body of rebels posted round it.
But little time was lost.