I was five months with them, and devoted the chief part of my time to picking it up." "You shall be examined at the first opportunity, Mr.Bullen; and the acquisition of their language, as well as your proficiency in Punjabi will, of course, greatly add to your claim to be placed on staff appointments; and will add somewhat to your income.
"I hope you will dine with me, this evening; when you can give me a full account of your life in the village, and of that fight you spoke of.

It will be highly interesting to learn the details of one of these tribal fights." Lisle accompanied Colonel Houghton to his quarters with a little reluctance, for he was anxious to rejoin his comrades in the regiment.
"Now, Bullen, tell me all about it," the colonel said.

"I know that you lifted me on to your horse.

I called to you to jump up behind, as the Afridis were close upon us; and I have never been able to make out why the horse should have gone off at a mad gallop, with me; but no doubt it was scared by the yells of the Afridis." "When I lifted you up, sir, I certainly intended to get up behind you; but the Afridis were so close that I felt that it was impossible to do so, and that we should both be shot down before we got out of range; so I gave the horse a prod with my sword and, as I saw him go off at a gallop, I threw down my arms, as I told you." "As it has turned out," the colonel said, "there is no doubt that the tribesmen, valiant fighters themselves, admire courage.

If you had resisted, no doubt you would have been cut down; but your action must have appeared so extraordinary, to them, that they spared you.
"I have often bitterly reproached myself that I was unable to share your fate.