The havildar, at starting, said a few cheering words to him; and told him that, when he felt tired, he could put his rifle and pouch in the waggon, as there was no possibility of their being wanted.
His two comrades, when they heard that he had accomplished the march without falling out, praised him highly.
"You have showed good courage in holding on," one of them said.
"The march was nothing to us seasoned men, but it must have been trying to you, especially as your feet cannot have recovered from yesterday.

I see that you will make a good soldier, and one who will not shirk his work.

Another week, and you will march as well as the best of us." "I hope so," Lisle said.

"I have always been considered a good walker.

As soon as I get accustomed to the weight of the rifle and pouch, I have no doubt that I shall get on well enough." "I am sure you will," the other said cordially, "and I think we are as good marchers as any in India.