I shall be on thorns until I see him." In a few minutes the officer, a tall and stately Punjabi, entered.
"Risaldar," Lisle said, "I know you were very much attached to my father." "I was, sahib." "Well, I want you to do something for me." "It would be a pleasure for me to do so, and you have only to ask for me to grant it, if it is in my power." "I think it is in your power," Lisle said.

"I will tell you what I want.

I have made up my mind to go with this expedition.

I thought of disguising myself, and going as a baggage coolie; but in that case I should be always in the rear and see none of the fighting, and I have made up my mind to go as a private in the ranks." "As a private, sahib ?" the officer exclaimed, in astonishment.
"Surely that would be impossible.

You would be detected at the first halt.