"The chief's in no laughing humour, sir," said the Sergeant stolidly.

"He ought to be in hospital with that cut on the leg he got; but he won't give up, though I've seen him turn whitey-brown and come out all over the face with big drops.

That means pain.

No; he won't laugh." "Then he'll growl at us, and tell us to be off for a pair of idiots." "Well, I'll risk it," I said firmly.
"Will you?
Young fellow," cried Denham, "don't you presume on my friendliness and forget that you're a private in my troop." "It's my duty to let the Colonel know," I said warmly.
"Yes, through your superior officer.

Well, look here; perhaps you're right.