But there was no risk.

You and that big nigger went in the dark, and you had luck on your side, and--Oh, I say, Val, you did it splendidly! I had a good tuck-out of mealie-porridge this morning, and three big slices of prime beef frizzled.

I feel quite a new man with all that under my jacket, and ready to take two Boers single-handed." "Yes, a good meal does make a difference," I said, smiling with pleasant recollections of my own breakfast.
"Difference! Oh, it was splendid! I felt as if I could have voted for you to be made colonel on the spot, and black Joeboy adjutant, when I caught sight of you coming with six wagons and teams instead of one.

My dear boy, you've won the affection of every one in the corps, from the Colonel right down to the cooks.

It's only cupboard-love, of course; but they're very fond of you now.