"He will know very well that any hesitation would be noticed, and he will take it as calmly as if he were a native." Accordingly the next morning, as the regiment fell in, the colonel called Lisle out from the ranks.
"Mutteh Ghar," he said, "Lieutenant Villiers reports that you did great service, yesterday, in picking off the leader of the Pathans who were attacking the column from the left.

Here are twenty rupees, as a token of my satisfaction." Lisle did not hesitate for a moment, but took off his turban, and held it out for the colonel to drop the money into it; murmuring his thanks as he did so.

Then he put on his turban again, saluted, and retired.
"I told you he would not hesitate, colonel," the major laughed.
"The young beggar was as cool as a cucumber, and I doubt if we should catch him napping, however much we tried." "He is a fine young fellow, major, and will make a splendid officer.

I shall be disappointed, indeed, if I fail to get him a commission." "I don't think you are likely to fail, colonel.

The young fellow has really distinguished himself greatly.