At any rate he had not done badly, and had brought no discredit to the regiment.
He had unconsciously adopted the regimental belief that he was a lucky man, and should get through the campaign unhurt.

He was particularly anxious that he should do so as, were he confined in hospital for a few days, he would have no opportunity of renewing his stain; in which case he would undoubtedly be detected.

They had advanced so far now, however, that even if he were discovered, they could hardly send him back before he got to Chitral.

He might, of course, be detained at Reshun, which would be a horrible nuisance.
One night his camp mate said to him: "You ought to be with the officers, Bullen sahib.

It is not right for you to be working as we do." "Why do you call me Bullen Sahib, Pertusal ?" "Everyone knows it, sahib.