I'm the Colonel, at your service, and I accept you at once as a recruit." "You can go through the swearing-in business some other time, Val," said the Lieutenant.

"Now then, are the Boers in force and coming down the pass ?" I told him all I knew, and the Colonel laughed.
"You've seen a sentry and heard a few shots fired, my lad," he said.
"Why, you're not worth calling a spy." "Am I one of the Light Horse now, sir ?" I said eagerly.
"Certainly." "Then send me back up to the Nek, and I'll try and prove myself a better one." "I'll send you up, sir," said the Colonel stiffly, "with a vidette, to feel for the enemy and try to draw him out; but we don't call members of the Light Horse spies.

If you go on such an adventure it will be a reconnaissance." I felt humbled, and was silent.
"This is an old friend of yours, then, Denham ?" continued the Colonel.
"Oh yes," replied the Lieutenant.

"His father, Mr Moray, was a most kindly host to me during a long shooting expedition, and I am very glad to have his son with us.

I hope, sir, you will place him in the same troop as I am." "Certainly," said the Colonel, who then turned to me in a frank, bluff way, and held out his hand.
"Glad to have you with us, Mr Moray," he said; "and I beg your pardon for being so rough with you.