The air seemed deliciously cool and fresh, and there was a feeling of quiet and restfulness that was impossible in the town, with the constant movement of troops, the sound of falling masonry, the dust and fetid odour of decay.
A week later the surgeon told Mallett that he had now hopes that the soldier he was interested in would recover.
"The chances were a hundred to one against him," he said, "but the one chance has come off." "Will he be fit for service again, doctor ?" "Yes, I don't see why he should not be, though it will be a long time before he can carry his kit and arms on a long day's march.

It is hot enough now, but we have not got to the worst by a long way, and as there is still a vast amount of work to be done, I expect that the regiment will be off again before long." "Well, at any rate, I shall be able to go with you, doctor." "I don't quite say that, Mallett," the doctor said, doubtfully.

"In another fortnight your wound will be healed so that you will be capable of ordinary duty, but certainly not long marches.

If you do go you will have to ride.

There must be no more marching with your company for some time." A week later orders were issued, under which the regiment was appointed to form part of the force which, under the command of General Walpole, was to undertake a campaign against Rohilcund, a district in which the great majority of the rebels who had escaped from Lucknow had now established themselves.